Should a man ask his bride-to-be's dad for her hand in marriage?

It's a long standing tradition that one magazine blogger says needs to be toppled. When a man is ready to pop the question, should he get permission from the bride-to-be's father?

One writer says absolutely not.

Jill Filipovic posted a blog in Cosmopolitan titled "Don't ask Your Girlfriend's Dad if You Can Marry Her."

She says its not a sign of respect, but is a deeply sexist practice. She cites a survey from The Knot.com that says 40 percent of women are completely surprised when their beau drops to one knee. And that men are talking more to the fathers about this major decision than to the actual woman they are pursuing for life.

Filipovic makes it clear she's a feminist and says others who are in feminist relationships should reject the norm and stop perpetuating this outdated custom.

"Women don't typically ask their boyfriends' mothers for permission to wed, because for women, marriage isn't seen as the taking-in of someone else. Instead, you're the one whose identity is being erased," she writes.

She says instead couples should reach a decision and then each person should talk with their parents about the decision so things are more equal all around.

What do you think?

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