Engagement Proposal Tips
The Ring That Binds, or The Ring That Leaves You Destitute?
by PaulaH
If you're hell-bent on marrying the love of your life, good for you. Now all you have to do is get your romantic juices flowing, plan a killer proposal, and, of course, buy a ring. Sounds easy? Think again! The ring is the quintessential symbol of commitment, and it should not be taken lightly – that's why you shouldn't just go for the first one you see. However, this doesn't mean that you should buy one that costs an arm, a leg, and half your life savings.
Yes, when it comes to getting engaged, the real question isn't “Will you marry me?” To buy, or not to buy an expensive engagement ring – that is the question.
Why buy?
Many women feel that a beautiful engagement ring is the ultimate validation of their existence. They want to be able to show it off to their family, friends, and even their future grandchildren. Furthermore, a beautiful engagement ring also plays a rather significant role in tradition, and when it comes to the serious business of happily-ever-after, tradition is king. Unfortunately, “beautiful” more often than not translates into “diamond”, and “diamond” is practically synonymous to “expensive.” It goes without saying that most – if not all – women would be sorely disappointed with a not-so beautiful and more, umm, affordable ring.
Romance aside, the ring is actually a symbol of your willingness to invest in your future together. As they say, diamonds are forever and will last a lifetime. Who knows? It could become a family heirloom one day. Isn't a few months' salary a small price to pay for that?
Why not?
Unless you're the next Donald Trump, a few months' salary is actually quite a lot of money – money, one might add, that can be used for wedding expenses, mortgage and car payments, and even your future children's education.
It's a capitalist world, and unfortunately, companies essentially define the things – and costs - that are meant to give people their happy endings. Furthermore, some people actually argue that the engagement ring is no more than a symbol of a man's ownership of the woman. With these in mind, you have to ask yourself if you are, in fact, willing to support such ideals.
The engagement ring is a symbol of undying love and unwavering commitment. It is up to you to decide on the cost of that symbol. If you feel that an expensive engagement ring makes it all the more meaningful, then, by all means, go all out. If, however, you believe that this is no more than a shallow gesture, then feel free to explore other alternatives. Remember that the most important thing in getting engaged is that your love is indeed undying and that your commitment is, without a doubt, unwavering. After all, the so-called rules surrounding the engagement ring aren't set in stone. Not even a diamond.