For centuries, we've used wedding rings as a sign of love between two people, bonding them together until death due them part (or divorce in other cases). A metal band secured around the finger of each partner, has been used to signify one's marriage, but with all the changes and innovation humans have made throughout the years, why hasn't the ring changed? I understand the meaning behind the ring and why its placed on the fourth finger of our left hand, but I can't wrap my finger around (pun intended) why we haven't developed other forms of conveying engagement and/or marriage to the world.
Let me start by saying, I'm not against engagement/wedding rings. I am not saying that we should stop using rings to profess our love to others. I'm simply questioning the idea of solely using rings to do so. I'm aware that wedding rings can be very pricey, and many people believe that they need to buy the most expensive ring they can afford, before making the big move. We shouldn't have to limit ourselves to buying rings in order to ask for one's hand in marriage. Times are tough, prices are expensive, and not everyone likes to wear rings. Neither my mom nor my dad wear their rings because not only does it get in the way of work, but because they don't feel the need to wear it every waking moment of their lives. This year, I've started wearing a whopping number of two rings, which I seldom wear anyways. I'm sure many other people feel the same way about wearing rings as I do, so why do we push to purchase the perfect ring for our significant other, only for it to be placed in a drawer for years and years?
Rings have helped to start traditions and businesses, giving them sentimental value and providing others with job opportunities. But why should we stop with rings? Other things can be just as significant. Necklaces, bracelets, makeup, shoes, candy, books, just about anything can be used as an object as proposal. Now I know what you're thinking, nothing says I love you like a rock or something, but there's an unlimited possibility as to what it sentimental to people.
Of course some people are only in it for the big shiny rock on a metal band, but believe it or not, some people have genuinely love and care for each other. Marriage is more than a ring on your finger and whatever you prefer, ring, no ring, or a pair or new shoes, marriage should be about bonding two people together out of love, not out of wealth.
But hey, maybe this is just my way of justifying that it's okay to want to save a few bucks. Just saying, I'd much rather prefer a better honeymoon or an ice cream machine over a diamond ring.
