30 Iconic Fictional Proposals To Make You Believe In Love Again
By Emily Scott
Leslie and Ben from Parks and Recreation, promotional photo via NBC
Leslie and Ben – Parks and Recreation
The Setup
Leslie and Ben originally didn’t like each other at all. When Ben came to Pawnee in order to take control of the budget for the city’s Parks program, Leslie resented him and thought he was uptight. But over years of getting to know one another, they begin to understand and appreciate one another. They begin dating secretly, because their boss Chris has a strict “no office romances” policy.
When Leslie begins her political career, they break up briefly to avoid scandal. But they realize how serious they are about each other and ultimately, Ben resigns so that they can continue to be together. Eventually Ben becomes Leslie’s campaign manager. After Leslie wins her bid for city councilwoman, Ben gets a job offer to work in Washington, D.C. running a congressional campaign. Which would take him away from Pawnee, and Leslie, for several months.
The Moment
In the season 5 episode “Halloween Surprise,” Leslie encourages Ben to take the job. She knows it will make him happy, and she tells him to take some time to “think about your future.” Later in the episode, Leslie is taking one last look at the house that she and Ben were planning to buy together. Ben shows up unexpectedly and when Leslie asks what he’s doing there, he gets down on one knee and says, “I’m thinking about my future.”
As Ben pulls out a ring, professes his love, and begins to ask the question, Leslie stops him. “Just…I need another second please,” she says. “I need to remember every little thing about how perfect my life is right now, at this exact moment.” When she finally allows him to ask, Leslie gives an enthusiastic, tearful yes.
Ben’s extremely simple proposal is perfect for their relationship. It didn’t matter where it happened or how. All that mattered was that it happened as soon as possible. And the same sentiment is reflected in their later wedding ceremony, which they moved up three months. It occurred in the Parks and Recreation office, where they first fell in love.