I've been married a little over two years, and a couple months ago I stopped wearing my engagement ring.
Before I tell you why I don't wear my engagement ring, take a trip with me as I get a bit nostalgic about my own engagement.
My husband proposed to me at a random New Year's Eve party. I say random, because the only people we knew were a few friends that came with us. We were all dancing and after the song was over( I think it was Michael Jackson)
He pulls out this little box and says, "I love you. Will you be my wife?"
Not sure if those were the exact words but, I'm sure he said he loved me because it was the first time in our two years of dating. Naturally, when he proposed, I looked around the room for my friends to see what they thought about this proposition. Now THAT'S a surprise. I was nice and sweaty, slightly drunk, and my best friend(maid of honor) was sobbing. It wasn't elaborate or showy. There was no flash mob and my entire extended family didn't pop out of the closet on cue.
We had been engaged for about four months.
We were on his annual birthday camping trip. We had been swimming at the lake that day. Later in the evening I looked down and noticed my ring was GONE.
I had no idea where it could be, I assumed I lost it in the water earlier that day. We formed a search "partay," and went to look on the shore at the lake.
The next day, we went back with two of our friends, and a metal detector. After a few hours we were about to give up when our friend exclaimed, "Holy s***, I found the ring!" The ring was, no joke, glistening in knee deep water. We had a dance party by the lake, and then went home to make the most delicious sandwiches.
This ring has more intrinsic value to me than just diamonds and gold, because of the memories I associate with it.
So why would I stop wearing my engagement ring, the very symbol of when my husband I started our life together?
It calls attention to wealth that I'd rather downplay. It doesn't sit well with me to bedazzle myself. It's just a simple solitaire diamond sitting on a thin gold band. But still,I pride myself in wearing Chacos every day, and very little makeup. Sometimes I look like a homely farm girl. I like that. To me it's simply being mature. I feel like I am much more approachable.
Not to mention the typical ring shopping, selection, and wearing experience has become the most unromantic thing I've ever seen. When I hear that a friend is going ring shopping with their boyfriend, I cringe. Call me crazy, but I'm a traditionalist when it comes to surprises.
So, what would it look like if we stripped down?
Like, just got naked together.
In a material possession sort of way.
You don't need any more clothes. You don't need a new car. Your home doesn't need to be remodeled. You don't need jewelry.
In a practical sense, those things are typically a waste of money. What really matters?
Taking care of orphans and widows. Loving your neighbor. Staying informed about the atrocities of the world despite your yuppiness. Giving a voice to those who can cannot speak for themselves.
It all started because my husband asked me, "Why do you wear your engagement ring?" My reply, "I'm not sure (thoughtful pause) it doesn't make any sense. I'm not going to wear it anymore."
In everything we do, say, or write we are making a statement. What statement are you making?
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.