A "promise ring" is usually given to a significant other as a "pre-engagement ring" in long-term, committed relationships. It can be given at any point in a relationship, as long as the couple feels that the timing is right. The ring symbolizes a "promise" to get engaged and then married one day.

My boyfriend and I have been dating since February of 2016. After talking about what we should do for our first anniversary, we both decided that we really liked the idea of getting promise rings to symbolize our love and our intention to marry one another. Two weeks before our anniversary, we went to the jewelry store and picked out two beautiful rings. Yes, two rings. Although it's more common for just the woman to wear a promise ring, my boyfriend really loved the idea of having one for himself as well. On our anniversary, we gave each other the rings and had a sappy little conversation about why we wanted to make this "promise" to one another. Ever since that day, our rings have been practically glued to our fingers.

My promise ring isn't just a piece of jewelry to me. It is a symbol that I've found the love of my life. Every time I look down at my hand and see it, I'm reminded that I get to go home at the end of the day to my apartment, be greeted by my pup, and fall asleep next to my loving boyfriend. To me, that reminder is everything I need. Unfortunately, I suffer from anxiety and depression. My promise ring reminds me that I have something amazing to be thankful for and to look forward to every single day, no matter what.

So, even though some people may have a problem with promise rings and how "cliche" or overused they're becoming, I love mine. My promise ring is, and will forever be, my favorite piece of jewelry. (At least until that engagement ring comes in a few years!)