Why do men have to be the ones to propose? (Long post)

I know this might be seen as feminist nonsense but I also want to hear what men think.<br><br>My boyfriend and I both want to get married and have agreed that we'd want to do so in the next 2-3 years. I've always also been told that 'tradition' is the reason why it has to be the man to propose. Therefore a ring should be purchased by the man etc etc.<br><br>However I've decided that I'd like to propose to my boyfriend. I don't want to wait anymore, I want to look at my ring and see a symbol of our love and commitment. I think it would make our relationship stronger and closer if I told him that I want to marry him, and that I want him to also marry me.<br><br>It's not that I don't believe he will. I just want us to commit to each other now, not just in a couple of years time. I love him and I know he will always be there for me.<br><br>I just wanted to know if this has been done before, as I don't know of anyone else that has done anything like this. I understand that I'm a woman and should be proposed to by my partner, but I'm going to do this anyway.