@Vallarrie, it is within your right to make the first move. If there is a good brother out there that you like as a husband, then don't be ashamed or afraid to ask for the brother's hand in marriage. If you are too shy or afraid to ask, then let a family member, your parents or even a good friend to ask on your behalf. To me, it does not matter whether it is man or woman proposing. Also, it does not matter if the woman is older. Let me give a story.
Once lived a lady called Khadija, who wished to marry an honorable man, known a throughout the region at the time. Khadija then sent her servant to the man. The servant lady came to man and asked him why he had not married yet.
She asked him: "Why are you not married, yet?"
He answered: "For lack of means,"
She asked him: "What if I could offer you a wife of nobility, beauty, and wealth? Would you be interested?"
He replied in the affirmative, but when she mentioned it was Khadija, the young man chuckled in amazement.
He said: "How could I marry her? She has turned down the most noble men in the city, much wealthier and prominent than me, a poor shepherd,"
She replied: "Don't you worry, I'll take care of it."
He said: "For my part, I am willing."
The lady returned with these glad tidings to Khadija. Not long after, the wealthy businesswoman married her young man in a marriage ceremony. Thus began one of the most loving, happiest, and sacred marriages in all of human history.
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