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The Promise Of A Promise Ring No Longer Rings True, And Our Generation Is To Blame

They're not supposed to be a joke, they truly do mean something.

Jenni Casto

Apr 03, 2019

The University of Alabama

1207

The Promise Of A Promise Ring No Longer Rings True, And Our Generation Is To Blame

Jennifer Casto

The promise ring trend has faded in and out throughout the years, and it is beginning to take root yet again. By definition, promise rings are supposed to be an intermediate level of commitment, with the intention of being replaced with an engagement ring in the foreseeable future.

However, it seems that this definition no longer rings (no pun intended) true.

I know at least half a dozen young women who received promise rings and were no longer with their boyfriend within a year of receiving it. Why are young men treating these as unimportant little gifts that can be canceled at any time? What has happened to the value of a promise?

This may simply be a result of the demographics of promise ring purchasers, which is usually 16-24-year-old men, or the instability of the average young adult relationship. However, it still doesn't justify making a commitment without the intent to follow up on it.

My promise ring means the world to me. With my boyfriend 2,000 miles away, it serves as a constant reminder of what we have, and his future intentions of replacing it with an engagement ring. He has made that very clear, and the promise ring is intended to be a precursor. Of course, it isn't necessarily set in stone that I will marry my boyfriend, and it won't be until he proposes. But, that is the intention, and I believe it's time to revamp the meaning of promise rings.

If you are considering purchasing a promise ring for your girlfriend, think long and hard about it. If it is not your intention to replace it with an engagement ring, make that absolutely clear to your significant other; or, just don't get one at all. They aren't something to be taken with a grain of salt, and they do truly mean something. If you intend to be a man of your word, keep the promise the ring entails, and treat your girlfriend with respect, then a promise ring may be an appropriate move. It will mean the world to her, and she will have the reminder of your commitment on her hand at all times.

If that isn't the intention, then maybe it's best to stick to a necklace.

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The Promise Of A Promise Ring No Longer Rings True, And Our Generation Is To Blame

They're not supposed to be a joke, they truly do mean something.

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All names should be "unisex names."

1. Communicating via email can be awkward.

2. Appointments usually accompany weird looks.

3. Introducing yourself to someone is never without a hitch.

4. You’ve probably thought about changing your name.

5. You’re often asked why you have the name you do.

6. You get excited when you meet someone of your gender with your name.

7. You feel awkward when you meet someone of the opposite gender with your name.

8. You’ve had someone say to you, “I knew a [your name], but they were [your opposite gender].”

9. You’ve heard a bad joke/pick-up line or two about your name before.

10. People are surprised when they see you.

11. You’re extra sensitive to other unique or unisex names.

12. You’ve fought with your parents about it.

13. All things considered, you’re happy your name makes you unique.

You know that all of these things apply to you. You'll just never tell.

I get it... I'm pale.

1. At least I can't lose you in a crowd!

2. Oh my goodness your skin is like glow-in-the-dark.

3. Can't you just get fake tan?

4. Do you tan or just burn?

5. Your kids are going to look like Casper the Friendly Ghost!

6. *holds arm against your arm* Look how much darker I am compared to you!

7. *holds pale arm against another pale arm* Aw, at least you're darker than her!

8. I laid out by the pool almost every day over break!

9. I haven't used sunscreen since I was, like, five.

10. *adjusts selfie lighting to their face* Oops, where'd you go??

11. *after working out* Your face is SO red!

12. *wears white* Look! You're all one color!

13. You need to get some sun.

14. Aren't you excited for summer?

The struggle bus is real.

1. Child prodigies:

2. Hearing other musicians in the practice room next door and accepting that you will never be as talented as them:

3. That anxiety that takes over before every performance:

4. Taking a million 0 credit classes:

5. When there's a paper due the next day, but you have to attend yet another concert in order to pass a 0 credit class:

6. When your friends try to encourage you after a performance, even though you are criticizing everything in your mind:

7. Knowing that there's always that one professor during juries:

8. The oh-so-attractive band/choir uniforms:

9. Realizing that a college campus is maybe not the best atmosphere to finish your latest composition:

10. Hearing "Oh, you sing opera? I LOVE Phantom of the Opera!" for the hundredth time:

11. When people think finals week is a breeze for you.

12. When you're drowning in the stress that comes with 18+ credits (and not to mention all those 0 credit classes) and people ask you how you are:

13. When it all comes down to it, though, you know that at the end of the day, music is your passion:

Because you need it in your life.

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6. holds arm against your arm Look how much darker I am compared to you!

7. holds pale arm against another pale arm Aw, at least you're darker than her!

10. adjusts selfie lighting to their face Oops, where'd you go??

11. after working out Your face is SO red!

12. wears white Look! You're all one color!