A marriage proposal is supposed to be one of the most romantic moments between a couple. Flowers, candles, and a beautiful location are usually the minimum you want to do for your special someone when asking them to spend the rest of their life with you.
So when a proposal veers so far in the other direction, looking like any regular old Tuesday, people are quick to jump in with their opinions and jokes.
Texas Roadhouse Proposal. Did She Say Yes?
In a viral video with more than 8.8 million views, mom and content creator Mishelle Burson (@mishelleburson) shared the moment her son proposed to his girlfriend. And people have opinions.
In the video, her son popped open a jewelry box to reveal what looks like an engagement ring. “When your youngest son is in love!!!!!!” she wrote in the text overlay.
She asks if he’s nervous about the proposal but doesn’t get a response back. In the next clips the son’s girlfriend is right there next to him, making silly faces. And then they walk out of the restaurant together while she’s holding a to-go box.
As they walk through the parking lot, the son reaches for the box in the back pocket of his pants before eventually pulling it out, getting on one knee, and telling her that she’s his “forever.” He then asks her if she’d like to get married.
He puts the ring on her finger while she’s holding several items in her hand and then walks away.
“You’re supposed to hug and kiss her now,” the mom says.
“Well, she’s got a lot of stuff in her hand,” he says.
At the same time, the now-fiancée sets her stuff on the floor so they can give each other a proper hug and kiss.
“She bout to cry, look at her face,” the mom chimes in.
Commenters React
“Hey moms I’m begging yall to teach your sons that their future wives deserve better than a parking lot proposal,” a top comment read.
“Proposing in the parking lot after mom paid for dinner,” a person said.
“Even IN the restaurant would’ve been better than out in the parking lot,” another wrote.
“They couldnt ATLEAST take the damn plate out of her hands first???” a commenter added.
Viral Creator Recreates The Awkward Proposal
The proposal quickly caught the attention of Madison Humphrey (@madison.humphreyy). Humphrey is a TikTok creator with 4.5 million followers. She’s built her platform on recreating cringey and awkward viral moments.
According to the Dallas Observer, Humphrey specializes in “point-of-view” skits. She depicts relatable scenarios and has expanded into parodying other people’s posts.
But Humphrey doesn’t just rip content. She’s known for being respectful about her recreations. In response videos addressing criticism, she’s explained her practice of asking permission from original creators before making parodies, even when some commenters question whether it’s necessary.
For the Texas Roadhouse proposal, Humphrey says she got the green light from the couple and went all in on capturing every awkward detail, complete with the parking lot setting, the to-go box in hand, and that uncomfortable moment where the son walked away before hugging his new fiancée.
What Makes A Good (Or Bad) Proposal?
The Texas Roadhouse proposal clearly worked for the couple involved. However, it sparked debate about what makes a proposal memorable for the right reasons.
According to Vogue, the key to a successful proposal isn’t about grand gestures or expensive locations. It’s about authenticity and personalization.
Emily Forrest Skurnik, head of communications at Zola, told the publication that proposals “are so forever” that trends shouldn’t overtake them. The best proposals stay true to the unique relationship rather than following fleeting engagement fads or Bachelor-style spectacles.
Location matters, but it doesn’t need to be elaborate. Vogue recommends choosing spots with sentimental value, like where you had your first date or another meaningful place in your relationship.
The guide specifically warns against making proposals public spectacles: “Nobody wants to be proposed to amidst a crowd of tourists, traffic, or New York construction.” No flash mobs, no busy restaurants, and absolutely no Jumbotrons (unless you’re 100% sure your partner would love it).
Other key recommendations include having a post-proposal celebration planned, whether that’s champagne, dinner reservations, or a small gathering with loved ones. And perhaps most importantly, make sure you’re both on the same page about marriage beforehand.
According to The Knot’s 2025 Real Weddings Study, 57% of couples discuss engagement over a year before the actual proposal—meaning the timing can be a surprise, but marriage itself shouldn’t be.
BroBible reached out to Burson for comment via TikTok direct message and comment and to Humphrey via email and Instagram direct message.