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Romance is dead

From cheesy tattoos to death-defying pranks… are these the 11 worst marriage proposals ever?

Whatever happened to getting down on one knee?

When it comes to marriage proposals, it now seems there's no limit to the lengths some men will go to for a 'yes', or the amount of money they're willing to spend.

But some ladies aren't so lucky when their man pops the question.

These cringe-worthy proposals will have you hiding behind your hands - and thinking the 'ring in the cake' technique is the height of romance.

1. The cheesy one

 The cheesiest proposal ever?
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The cheesiest proposal ever?

Paired with a cheeky Domino's, how could she possibly refuse?

2. The one where he fakes his own death

This man decided to give his girlfriend the fright of her life before his OTT proposal.

3. The one in a toilet

 This woman is probably hiding her face in shame rather than surprise
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This woman is probably hiding her face in shame rather than surprise

Clearly overcome with romance, this man got down on one knee in a public toilet. There's no time like the present, right?

4. The public one

This man put together an elaborate proposal complete with Mexican singers and dozens of excited spectators. Unfortunately, his girlfriend wasn't impressed and said no.

5. The VERY public one

When your boyfriend proposes in the middle of a packed basketball arena, there's really no way to let them down gently. Instead, this poor woman walks awkwardly off the court, much the amusement of the players.

6. The permanent one

 Caroline Summers is one lucky lady
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Caroline Summers is one lucky lady

This Casanova was clearly confident he was going to get a 'yes'.

7. The one using...cattle

 You can't deny this one's original
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You can't deny this one's original

Not quite as extreme as tattooing it on your own body, how about branding a cow for the ultimate romantic proposal?

8. The airline intercom one

This woman sits awkwardly in her seat as the most romantic moment of her life is broadcast to the entire plane. It's one way to get some free champagne.

9. The one where she fears for her life

 This one's going to take a lot of explaining
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This one's going to take a lot of explainingCredit: CEN

This man got his friends to wear balaclavas and pretend to kidnap his girlfriend before he came to her rescue.

10. The one with the help of Jeremy Kyle

 It doesn't bode well if you've just had to take a lie detector test
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It doesn't bode well if you've just had to take a lie detector testCredit: Ruckas

This Jeremy Kyle guest casually offered his girlfriend an engagement ring, shortly before he was revealed to have cheated on her. Miraculously, she said no.

11. The vandalism one

 A lovely surprise for Naomi on her walk home from work
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A lovely surprise for Naomi on her walk home from workCredit: Imgur

Let's hope the lucky lady accepted, and the 'no' was just another vandal looking for LOLs.

Your own proposal may or may not live up to your expectations, but just be glad you aren't one of these unlucky women.