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Man Realizes His Values Don’t Match His Fiancée’s After Proposing, Ends Everything
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Man Realizes His Values Don’t Match His Fiancée’s After Proposing, Ends Everything

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The perfect proposal can be hard. The right place, the right time, and the right engagement ring – all of these things really count. In the United States, an average couple spends about $1k to $5k for an engagement ring. But for some fiancées, even that isn’t enough.

This man proposed with a $2,000 ring because for him, marriage is about much more than the material things. For his fiancée, however, it was the opposite; she expected a more expensive diamond, worth at least $20k. Her reaction made one thing clear: perhaps the couple isn’t meant to be together if their values are so different.

RELATED:

    The price of an engagement ring proved to be the ultimate test for this couple

    Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)

    In the girlfriend’s mind, the ring was too cheap, but her stubbornness ultimately cost her the relationship

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    Image credits: Drazen Zigic / freepik (not the actual photo)

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    Image credits: Physical-Bus6025

    People should spend on an engagement ring only as much as they’re comfortable with

    Image credits: serhii_bobyk / freepik (not the actual photo)

    Today, when we think of a traditional engagement, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a ring. One partner gets on one knee and asks the other to accept an engagement ring as a symbol of their love and devotion. But, in reality, are engagement rings really that important?

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    The main problem in this story was that a ring meant something different to the man and the woman. Like with everything in life, there are always two perspectives; neither he nor she is wrong here. Still, it’s interesting to explore the arguments for and against engagement rings that people and wedding industry experts have.

    To the girlfriend, the ring symbolized the relationship itself: the more expensive it was, the more serious and valuable was the future marriage. There’s this saying that an engagement ring should cost at least a three-month salary. However, jewelry experts today say that this tradition is quite outdated. Vogue claims that it’s just a clever marketing ploy to get people to contribute even more to the wedding market.

    Many women have been conditioned from childhood to expect an engagement ring to complete the fairytale of marriage. Dr. Fran Walfish suggests that when women think a ring is “not enough,” they might have other doubts.

    A flashy, expensive ring would only distract from the problems within the relationship. Dr. Walfish says people need to get used to disappointment. “It’s not that we’ve ‘settled’, it’s that we’re reaching a point where we’re realizing we have to decide what is priority, and that we can’t get every single thing we want in a partner.”

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    An expensive engagement ring isn’t a guarantee for a long and happy marriage

    Image credits: wirestock / freepik (not the actual photo)

    To the man, on the other hand, the meaning was purely symbolic. He would much rather invest in more practical things they’ll need in the future: a car, a house, investments, and even her business ideas.

    Some research shows that men who spend between $2,000 and $4,000 on engagement rings have a higher rate of divorce. Those who opt for cheaper engagement rings from $500 to $2,000 have longer-lasting marriages. However, the researchers also found that spending less than $500 on an engagement ring is more likely to predict that your marriage will end in divorce.

    Relationship experts say that materialism can often be a distraction from what is really important. “A relationship built off of intangible intimacy rather than a lavish lifestyle is much more likely to not only last, but thrive into a loving partnership that lasts for a lifetime, Christie Tcharkhoutian, LMFT, told NBC.

    “Instead of going into debt, buy an engagement ring within your current budget that you’ll both love, and upgrade in the future if you desire,” the jewelers at Martin Busch Jewelers write. According to Brides magazine, people should spend only what they’re comfortable with. They recommend speaking about this with a partner: assessing your budget and future financial goals.

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    Some commenters sided with the guy, agreeing that the price of an engagement ring shouldn’t be a priority in a relationship

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    Others, however, supported the girlfriend, inviting him to look at it from her perspective

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    Kornelija Viečaitė

    Kornelija Viečaitė

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

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    Hi there, fellow pandas! As a person (over)educated both in social sciences and literature, I'm most interested in how we connect and behave online (and sometimes in real life too.) The human experience is weird, so I try my best to put its peculiarities in writing. As a person who grew up chronically online, I now try to marry two sides of myself: the one who knows too much about MySpace, and the one who can't settle and needs to see every corner of the world.

    Read less »
    Kornelija Viečaitė

    Kornelija Viečaitė

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Hi there, fellow pandas! As a person (over)educated both in social sciences and literature, I'm most interested in how we connect and behave online (and sometimes in real life too.) The human experience is weird, so I try my best to put its peculiarities in writing. As a person who grew up chronically online, I now try to marry two sides of myself: the one who knows too much about MySpace, and the one who can't settle and needs to see every corner of the world.

    Viktorija Ošikaitė

    Viktorija Ošikaitė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

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    I'm a visual editor here at Bored Panda and I enjoy a good laugh. My work ranges from serious topics related to toxic work environments and relationship difficulties to humorous articles about online shopping fails and introvert memes. When I'm not at my work desk, checking if every single pixel is in the right place, I usually spend my free time playing board games, taking pictures, and watching documentaries

    Read less »

    Viktorija Ošikaitė

    Viktorija Ošikaitė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    I'm a visual editor here at Bored Panda and I enjoy a good laugh. My work ranges from serious topics related to toxic work environments and relationship difficulties to humorous articles about online shopping fails and introvert memes. When I'm not at my work desk, checking if every single pixel is in the right place, I usually spend my free time playing board games, taking pictures, and watching documentaries

    What do you think ?
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    S. K.
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anyone demanding a ring of a certain value is shallow, high maintenance, and to be avoided.

    similarly
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "However, the researchers also found that spending less that $500 on an engagement ring is more likely to guarantee that your marriage will end in divorce." So, poverty has an effect on marriage? You don't say! It ain't necessarily about the ring. When my wife and I got married, we made a game out of seeing how cheap we could go and still have a nice wedding. We likely spent less than $500 on the whole wedding, rings included. We spent $25 to rent a small chapel. We spent about $25 for a Justice of the Peace. We spent about a hundred on rings (and they were nice rings, but we stopped wearing them years ago). Friends took photos, took care of music, did the reception, etc. We wore clothes we already had. Considering we've been together for over 30 years, I think we didn't do so badly.

    lenka
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "So, poverty has an effect on marriage" This was my take on it too. Really disappointing to see them break down the value of an entire marriage to the cost of a ring without addressing the broader impact of financial stress. My ring was way less than $500 when we got married because we were broke. I was happy and proud to wear that ring and be the wife of the man that gave it to me. I still am :-)

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    SnackbarKaat
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My bf, now husband, and i went to buy the cheapest gold wedding rings. Both Broke but young, in love. we are now married for 17 years with two kids

    Mari
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband and I also, the cheapest golden rings and now we are 20 years and 4 kids later. Love is the most precious, not a diamond or other material things.

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    Ripley
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The best advice in all of those responses was from Artneedsmorefloof (which is also an awesome handle). If only love was enough. It isn't - a long term relationship needs to be built on compatibility over a whole range of issues. Also, the YTAs are bonkers. Again.

    BrownEyedPanda
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So true. Artneedsmorefloof is preaching the gospel of love. I really can't wrap my head around the concept of pouring tons of cash into a relationship. As long as both are on the same page in regards to finances, children, residency, and tying the knot, they're good to go. Basing the strength of a relationship on the cost of the rings, wedding, and honeymoon is, at best, shallow. I think that OP saved himself not only $$, but a lot of misery. The demand for more would have never ended.

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    arthbach
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm feeling cynical. $2,400 for a ring sounds like a bargain in comparison to a costly divorce.

    Corvus
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "A wedding is not a marriage" - this is some pretty good advice, actually. Will remember it.

    Sandy Jones
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is no "tradition" to give diamond engagement ring. It's a scam made up by DeBeers Never buy diamonds

    nm (he/him)
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfsnebJd-BI

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    quentariel
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've been taught to never ask a price of a gift, and for me engagement ring is no different. It's much more important to me that the ring would fit my style and taste (which means being quite simple and not flashy at all). I can't understand these huge extravacant weddings and can't understand these ridiculous ring demands either.

    Scott Rackley
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    YTAs are either gold digging whores, or have never met one. Or rich, could be that too.

    Petra
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't like your use of the word "whores", but I otherwise agree with you. Leaving this comment here in case someone else wants to upvote your sentiment, but not your word choice.

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    Agata Konador
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We got married without an engagement ring. I never needed one to be with man of my life. This is a ritual I will never understand 😉

    Stacy Bender
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Every time I see posts like this I think of my parents. My dad had one of his sister's help pick out the ring. Platinum with an emerald cut diamond. Ma told him he spent too much. ($250 in 1958 I think) I have it as my wedding ring now. It's the only diamond I've ever liked. Financial compatibility is one key in a marriage. Communication is another.

    Phoebe Bean
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All engagements rings are The Precioussss (regardless of the price) because they are given by someone in love... that woman is a moron.

    Loo
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Such a stupid tradition… WHY spend so much on a trinket, WHY compare it to other's trinkets, and WHY is it just one of the persons paying for it? Our rings are silver and titanium, we loved how they looked and we bought them because they made us happy. I don’t care if someone else’s ring costs more than my car, you do you.

    sweet emotion
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In 1959, my parents chose to buy a dinette set for their first home instead of an engagement ring. It was a decision they agreed on together, just like hundreds of other major decisions they made for the next 42 years.

    Deborah B
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm saying ESH - She's bonkers on the £20k for a ring. He's an idiot for not having talked to her about financial values and made they were financially compatible before he proposed. "Arguing about the price of the ring" is a red flag for a couple, because it shows that they have fundamentally different attitudes about spending, If they haven't been able to establish joint guidelines and compromises before the ring-buying stage, they're not ready. Financial stress is a major contributor in divorce.

    similarly
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's definitely important before proposing to talk about values and how the couple feels about a LOT of different things.

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    lwolf1952
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My only comment about rings is that they are good for removing fingers if they get caught on the wrong thing.

    Kylie
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Plenty of careers where you can't wear a ring while working for that very reason.

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    François Bouzigues
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Resale value of a 20k diamond ring would be somewhere between 20 and 60% depending on the brand, carat, clarity.... Definitely a dumb move moneywise to spend so much on something that does not have intrensic value. I would not marry anyone who can´t process that. Half a gold bar would be a sound investment in that price range.

    Kylie
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The only way to spend that sort of cash on a ring (if you want it to keep the value) is to buy the stone separately for that price then have it set.

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    Sunny Day
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Saying the price of the ring represents how much he values her reminds me of trading livestock for a bride. "I offer 2 goats and a chicken" "No, she is worth 4 goats!"

    UpupaEpops
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I mean. I don't know if I'd have the guts to walk around with a 20k ring on my finger. But aside from that, I think it also depends on their general lifestyle. Sadly I know men who will happily drop that kind of money on their hobbies but will kick a girl out if she expects to be as much of a financial priority as their partner. For example, I know someone who drives a Mercedes G. They bought their wife an Opel Astra. Nothing wrong with the car per se, but it is a reflection of how much say she has in the relationship.

    similarly
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unless it was the car SHE wanted. I know a couple like that. She didn't feel comfortable driving an expensive car. I think she was worried about having an accident with it.

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    Angela C
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    20,000 is a decent used car. There's no effing way I'd expect someone to spend that much on a piece of fûcking jewelry. How shallow can you be?

    Stckynote
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i'd feel real safe walking around with 20 grand on my hand....

    Gavin Johnson
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The ring represents a promise. The value of the ring in no way represents the VALUE of the promise. Anyone who tells you that the value IS connected to the price of the ring is totally incorrect, your commitment to them cannot be valued in monetary terms, if they think it can then they seriously undervalue you and your commitment. Time for you to move on to someone who does see your value.

    Petra
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like your comment a lot. It's like "a wedding is not a marriage", but even better. Like, "the value of the ring is not the value of the promise". Thanks for sharing!

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    🇫🇮 Goth Nurse 🇫🇮
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We bought our engagement rings for 30€. Our wedding rings were 140€ and I thought those were a bit expensive lol :D (here usually both have engagement rings and the bride gets a wedding ring - but we both wanted wedding rings also)

    Tabitha
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never had and engagement ring, just a plain gold band, and my husband and I have been very happily married since 2001. A few years ago he asked me if I wanted a diamond ring to go with my wedding band. I said if HE felt he needed to, I would consider it a gift, but I was not going to insist on it, because our marriage is more important to me than a ring. I also knew we couldn’t afford it , and would rather have the bills paid and a nice nest egg in the bank instead of a rock on my finger. He hasn’t mentioned it since, though I know that once he can afford it he probably will buy one for me.

    Mike F
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd be curious to know what she does for a living that 20k would be the ring price she would be good with.

    StumblingThroughLife
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    $2,400 wasn't enough? WTaF??? What is wrong with people? Wantwantwant & tantrumtantrumtantrum when they don't get what they want. We have toddlers in adult bodies. Mankind, as a species, is a joke. A very embarrassing one. Although we'll be nuked into extinction soon enough, the way things are going, so ... 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♂️

    CatWoman1014
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I guess they didn’t ring shop or have a discussion ahead of time. I think that needs to be done so the guy can get an idea of what is expected. Obviously here the breakup would have occurred sooner.

    KatSaidWhat
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    GoldBetty up there is more like golddigga. Never place monetary value on items as you will never be happy. Bullet dodged - imagine how much that wedding would have cost?!?!

    George Costanza
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The ring or lack thereof has no effect on the durability of the marriage. The marriage matters. None of the material things related to it mean one thing in the long run.

    William Teach
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    First off, he's looking at this through a logical POV, rather than an emotional POV. But, that is often what men do. So, how does he overcome the emotional response of GF? That's a tough one. If their expectation on ring cost are so far apart, it seems like a bad match for future family economics.

    Liz The Biz
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To me it wouldn't matter if the ring cost £1 or a £1,000,000. What is important is that it is from the person you love with all your heart and want to spend the rest of your life with.

    Scotira
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To me it would absolutely matter if the ring was CHF 1'000'000, in the sense that I would be SCARED AS HECK that I would lose it 🙈 otherwise I agree with you 😅 my husband and I didn't even have rings when we got married bc of our work both of us shouldn't wear rings. In the end we had medaillons made from a local artisan 🥰

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    Seedy Vine
    Community Member
    2 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hate when people make weddings so transactional. It's supposed to be about love, not prostitution.

    Aslan Balaur
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you want a $20,000 ring marry a millionaire who doesn't give a damn about money. Seriously, even $2,400 is, to me, outrageous. It's just a junk of carbon, dug out of the ground by people DeBeers treat as little more than slaves. DeBeers makes billions conning young impressionable American women that there is more meaning to spending more on a rock than there is. It's still just a rock, and without special skills and training, you can replace it with cut glass and nobody would know the difference. My engagement ring for my wife was a tree-stone sterling ring with three very dark matched amethysts in it. I got her this just a few weeks before we got married. The actual proposal had no ring, as I did it online. We lived 1800 miles from each other at the time. This May marks 26 years married. I spent $72 on the ring. Don't waste thousands on a lousy chunk of carbon. Find a stone either that she loves, or that has meaning within your relationship, no matter how cheap.

    Brenda Spagnola-Wilson
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Late hubby proposed to me with a cigar band (which I still have). My actual ring is man-made sapphires w/ accents. He bought it at Sears and spent $200. He wanted to "upgrade" it at 10 years, but I declined. I got exactly what I wanted. Instead, he planned an amazing 10th anniversary weekend, a memory I cherish.

    CF
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My ex fiance proposed with a $10k ring. I have no clue about carat, etc, I know nothing about that nor do I care a whit. He was so insistent that he knew me so well, but if he really knew me, he wouldn't have given me an incredibly expensive piece of jewelry to lose. (Didn't lose it, but only because I rarely wore it for the 8 years we lasted after). Yes, he had the $10k but it depleted his savings. Meanwhile, my number one stress day to day? Money. Im not going to tool around wearing a 10k ring when I can't afford my next student loan payment. What an imbecile.

    Tyranamar Seuss
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She's probably missing out on a good man. He possibly could've kept her spending in check. She's not thinking about her actual future with that kind of spending.

    T'Mar of Vulcan
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My father couldn't afford an engagement ring so my mother never had one. They were married for 56 years when he died. I took my mom's 18 karat gold ring (after she died), a ring with diamond chips I got from my aunt for my conformation (only 9 karat gold - you can get those here) and had them melted together to make a new ring to remind me of them both. Probably they wouldn't be worth more than about three thousand rand (around $200) but the new ring is priceless to me.

    Babs McGurk
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mr. Babs and I shopped together for my ring, a quarter carat solitaire in a plain gold band. I've been wearing the same ring for the past 43 years, and never wanted to 'upgrade'. If a woman rates her engagement and marriage on the amount of money her ring cost, that doesn't say much about her devotion to her potential mate. This LW dodged a bullet.

    H R
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, I would rather have a lab grown stone rather having a diamond from conflict areas

    Kathy Richardson
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have been married 25 years now and never even had an engagement ring. Personally, I think they are a big waste of money. However, I also think most weddings are a big waste of money as I would rather spend that on an excellent honeymoon and/or down payment on a house.

    Kare Deter
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I didn't like the ring he proposed with but I said yes anyway because I love him. We exchanged the ring for my *dream* ring which cost a lot more, so I helped pay for it. That ring now sits somewhere, not worn yet we've been married for 24 years. I'm trying to decide which of my children should get it.

    Petra
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the way to go about it! Say yes to the marriage then discuss changing the ring together at a later date. Offer to help pay the difference (or pay it completely) and follow through with that offer. Work together for a mutually beneficial outcome. Don't be demanding and entitled like the lady in the story.

    Load More Replies...
    Sarah Matsoukis
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would be too scared to wear the 2k ring already, bumping, scratching or losing it.

    Julie S
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    20k on an engagement ring is ridiculous I would be to scared to wear it. In fact I'd a bit worried about 2k.

    Bobby
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband proposed with a 60 dollar silver ring with some black stones. We don't have wedding bands even now and our marriage cost 80 dollars. Our marriage will last unlike the shallow f***s like the woman here.

    Celestial Phalanx
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah she wasn't really interested in your love, only how she can impress her social circle in a game of material one-upmanship.

    Pedro Badan
    Community Member
    4 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Please tell me BP didn't censor the word "p a w n" in that comment 😑

    Pedro Badan
    Community Member
    4 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG it did it to me too. I just had to add the spaces 🤦🏻‍♀️

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    Me Me
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If my partner proposed to me with a 2400€ ring (which we could afford), I’d ask him if he was nuts. This is WAY too much money just to be wearing it on a finger and I’d be afraid of losing it all the time. Also, its value would in no way reflect the quality of our relationship. I seriously don’t understand all the fuss about engagements or spending a huge sum on a wedding. Imagine all the nice things you could use that money for? Down payment on a house for example. Who is really profiting from the whole process? Hint: it’s not you. It’s the wedding industry. Slap the label „wedding“ onto something and the price doubles or triples. It’s ridiculous. I don’t need all that expensive s**t to know I love my partner and we belong together. If you tie the quality of your relationship to things like money or how much money was spent on a ring, you’re doing it wrong! I would’ve dumped her, too.

    millac
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really hate this "race to the bottom" expectation that women must accept even low/no effort gestures with gushing feelings and they're wrong if they don't. Bragging that you got your wife with a twist tie ring is not the flex you think it is. It is perfectly all right if she has high expectations and if she prioritizes gestures of affection that she can show others and which represent considerable time and sacrifice. There is nothing wrong or bad about her wanting that. Neither is there anything wrong or bad about a man knowing this about a woman and deciding he cannot/does not want to meet those expectations and moving on. So long as everyone is clear and nobody lies (that SIL who was given a cheap-o cubic zirconia was definitely lied to and misled) everyone is good. Stop bragging about how little effort you found acceptable while judging those who wanted something else.

    Me Me
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So you really think that how much effort or money goes into a proposal is enough of a basis to decide if your relationship is worth it? It‘s ONE action. You cannot tie a whole relationship to the effort someone puts into one action. If he‘s not right for you, and he doesn’t put effort into your relationship, you will know based on how your day to day life goes. Your marriage will be s****y even if his one gesture proposing to you included a high value ring and a lot of effort. So it doesn’t really have a meaning. And if your relationship is great and both of you value each other by putting effort in it in your day to day lives, it really doesn’t matter if he proposed on a candle light dinner with romantic music and an expensive ring or if he just asked „marry me“ while snuggling on your sofa on a normal day without a ring at all. Not to mention the fact that there’s two equal people and it’s really not about women expecting high value stuff from the men. We’re not in the 50s anymore!

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    Fox with a Dragon Tattoo
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The ones defending that wh*re are unhinged. Exactly what do they offer of equal value? Oh right... NOTHING. Its one sided and perverse. That wh*re deserves to be alone. Full stop.

    Susy Hammond
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I got married I didn't have an engagement ring. I bought my own wedding band for $15.00 in 1973. The marriage didn't work out, but I'm still glad my ex did not go into debt getting me some flashier thing.

    Pille P
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In my country there is no tradition of an engagement ring. My wedding ring cost 60 Euros. I chose it because of colour of the gold matching another heirloom. I have thought of upgrading but in the end theres no point.

    Pille P
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sure nowadays people copy the west and US based on what they see in the movies. But it is mot as common

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    Neb
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Considering that my last car (5 years old at the time, with 60K miles) was less than 15K with taxes... I would say he made right decision. You can spend money if you have them, but not from debt.

    zovjraar me
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    been married for 24 years and his proposal was: why don't we just get married? my response: sure. no ring, no wedding, still don't have a ring, totally happy. :) love is worth more than any material thing.

    Hakitosama
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    20k ??? It's the quarter of my small European house's value !!! We inherited my grandma's ring (a big sapphire surrounded by small diamonds set in a platinum band... Yeah my Gramps worked at the "Union minière" in Congo and it's not worth 20k ! What the FUDGE? Ha and fun fact, the ring came AFTER the marriage...her actual fiançailles ring was....my oldest aunt 😂 she was so fed up with her parents not approving her choice of fiance that she said to my Gramps "we're making a baby ! That will shut them up !"

    Alexandra Prytkova
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I was at uni, one of the guys in my year was engaged and about to marry. His family was well off, but not exceedingly rich. The fiancee expected them to go all in on the wedding, a super expensive gown, arriving to the place on a helicopter, that sort of stuff. When he told me about it, despite us not being overly close, it was clear he wasn't comfortable with her expectations. I told him he shouldn't marry her if that was her position on the matter, but he said his parents could afford it and he had strong feelings for her. They divorced in less than two years... after his parents spent a small fortune on the wedding.

    DustBunny
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My brother proposed to his wife with a $35 silver and aquamarine ring. 23 years and counting.

    D. Pitbull
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Demanding a certain value is ... eugh. I think ... feel... whatever, the proposer and proposee are setting up a statement with that ring (let's call it a physical symbol). He put a lot of $$ into it, and from the looks of it, thought as well, about her and their future, so "I think of what you'd like, and I'm thinking of our future", and she slapped him in the face with, well, "I base the value of our relationship in $$ only." I mean, it's not like she said "I don't want a diamond" and then he got one anyhow because "Tradition!" - then that'd be more "What I think and want is more important than your thoughts and wants. Deal with it." and he'd be TA.

    Greg H
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That the stone was a gift from my grandmother ( necklace she had had three diamonds in it, and she had it split amongst her three grandsons, and I took that and had it put into a 200.00 rung and setting when I was younger and just waited fro the right girl...my wife ADORES her ring. Plus I proposed while she had e-coli, (there's a story)

    Evelyn Wilson (PenelopePink4170)
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They should've gone ring shopping together. Giving her what YOU think she deserves is controlling behavior. We chose my ring together. Over the years, we've chosen bigger & better rings. Patience is the path, but together.

    Feelings are fake
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Welcome to the age of emotional maturity coming from TikTok. It's only going to get worse.

    DrBronxx
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I couldn’t afford a ring. But, when discussions came up about marriage, my now-wife made it clear that she didn’t want an engagement ring, that any money saved for that would be better spent on our wedding/marriage. The wedding rings meant more to her, because those are rings we both have. Even for those, we almost didn’t buy them because we couldn’t quite find the right ones, until we did. I liked them, she loved them, and they were about $500US for the pair.

    Kay
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If my boyfriend proposed to me with a 2400$ ring I probably would stop to rethink the relationship. At this point he should know I don't care about things but experiences and time together, and when it comes to jewellery I like cheap finds from flea markets. If he got me a diamond ring it would suggest he doesn't know me at all... Or got brainwashed into thinking that's what he has to do.

    Juanita Sullivan
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This man made the right choice. That girl was out of her mind about the cost of an engagement ring. I thought $2400 was over the top. My engagement ring was about $200 but that was decades ago and that was a lot of money at that time. It was a diamond chip which was just fine.

    Max Fox
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I did not give my wife an engagement ring at all. We've been married for 32 years now. If I had spent $20,000 on a ring she would have thrown me, and the ring, out the window. What a fvcking waste of money. As that person said, unless it's the One Ring To Rule Them All, it ain't worth $20,000.

    Roberta Surprenant
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love my $65 ring from p**n shop. I also love my husband, funny how that works out.

    Atlasheld
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Prior to my proposing, I had purchased a ring for about $2800 from Daniels that we both picked out. I proposed at Machu Picchu about eight months later and by that time I had bought another ring for $35,000. It was much more and had a very large clear diamond. When I brought it out the proposal, she stopped in her tracks and said oh no where is my ring!? Despite everything she loves that original ring for the romantic times more than the extremely large diamond ring that I got her. Her values align with mine and it makes my day every time I see her with the less costly ring on. Which is 90% of the time.

    Christopher Crockett
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I'm ever insane enough to get married again, screw rings. I'd rather have a set of dueling pistols.

    CBolt
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    & isn't that the most ridiculous "expert" statement ever - a ring in the $500 range..... is more likely GUARANTEE that ..... end in divorce

    Becca not Becky
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband spent about $200 on a ring from a second-hand store. We upgraded to a much nicer ring years later, but even that was on a major sale. We decided it was better not to start our marriage with a fat debt, and we've been married almost 9 years now.

    Angrykitten
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'll never understand wanting a ring that expensive. I would never feel comfortable wearing it. What if I some how lost it? Or someone saw it and recognized it's value and I got robbed. Nope not for me. My only wish was for an emerald. Didn't even need to be natural, lab grown are just as pretty. Just not a diamond they are over rated

    michele mbennett101044@yahoo.c
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hmmm...we went to Reno with $200, got married with no rings, three years later finally got rings and a honeymoon trip. Been 40 years and still together ❤️

    weatherwitch
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My engagement ring cost £5. She's pathetic, greedy and an absolute Moron. He escaped big time there.

    Dirk Daring
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd like to know how much money she was planning to spend on him.

    Miki
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    God. What a shallow ladie. This guy truly dodged a bullet.

    whineygingercat
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jeulia.com has so many beautiful engagement rings and wedding ring sets. All made with created diamonds. Most under $500. I wear a 3 1/2 karat white sapphire solitaire, with a matching pave band. It's stunning and I've gotten SO many compliments on it.

    Megan Contreras
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    $20K on a ring?!?! I mean the 2K one would be locked away tight. I'd be too afraid to ruin it or something.

    Kraneia The Dancing Dryad
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Our rings were $15 silver ones we bought from a mall kiosk..... I'd be uncomfortable with a $20K one. We aren't together any more, but it isn't because he bought me a cheap ring-- we were just incompatible in other ways.

    FreeTheUnicorn
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thats why engagement exists, to make sure marriage is your best option. Clearly these folks aren't compatible. I hope if he wants to marry in the future, he trades up.

    Don Davey
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My wife didn't ask me how much her ring cost but she loves me so it wasn't important.

    Janissary35680
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reading this, the line "Square-cut or pear-shaped, these rocks don't lose their shape" from "Diamonds are a girl's best friend" came to mind and now it's stuck in my head.

    S. K.
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anyone demanding a ring of a certain value is shallow, high maintenance, and to be avoided.

    similarly
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "However, the researchers also found that spending less that $500 on an engagement ring is more likely to guarantee that your marriage will end in divorce." So, poverty has an effect on marriage? You don't say! It ain't necessarily about the ring. When my wife and I got married, we made a game out of seeing how cheap we could go and still have a nice wedding. We likely spent less than $500 on the whole wedding, rings included. We spent $25 to rent a small chapel. We spent about $25 for a Justice of the Peace. We spent about a hundred on rings (and they were nice rings, but we stopped wearing them years ago). Friends took photos, took care of music, did the reception, etc. We wore clothes we already had. Considering we've been together for over 30 years, I think we didn't do so badly.

    lenka
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "So, poverty has an effect on marriage" This was my take on it too. Really disappointing to see them break down the value of an entire marriage to the cost of a ring without addressing the broader impact of financial stress. My ring was way less than $500 when we got married because we were broke. I was happy and proud to wear that ring and be the wife of the man that gave it to me. I still am :-)

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    SnackbarKaat
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My bf, now husband, and i went to buy the cheapest gold wedding rings. Both Broke but young, in love. we are now married for 17 years with two kids

    Mari
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband and I also, the cheapest golden rings and now we are 20 years and 4 kids later. Love is the most precious, not a diamond or other material things.

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    Ripley
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The best advice in all of those responses was from Artneedsmorefloof (which is also an awesome handle). If only love was enough. It isn't - a long term relationship needs to be built on compatibility over a whole range of issues. Also, the YTAs are bonkers. Again.

    BrownEyedPanda
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So true. Artneedsmorefloof is preaching the gospel of love. I really can't wrap my head around the concept of pouring tons of cash into a relationship. As long as both are on the same page in regards to finances, children, residency, and tying the knot, they're good to go. Basing the strength of a relationship on the cost of the rings, wedding, and honeymoon is, at best, shallow. I think that OP saved himself not only $$, but a lot of misery. The demand for more would have never ended.

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    arthbach
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm feeling cynical. $2,400 for a ring sounds like a bargain in comparison to a costly divorce.

    Corvus
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "A wedding is not a marriage" - this is some pretty good advice, actually. Will remember it.

    Sandy Jones
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is no "tradition" to give diamond engagement ring. It's a scam made up by DeBeers Never buy diamonds

    nm (he/him)
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfsnebJd-BI

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    quentariel
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've been taught to never ask a price of a gift, and for me engagement ring is no different. It's much more important to me that the ring would fit my style and taste (which means being quite simple and not flashy at all). I can't understand these huge extravacant weddings and can't understand these ridiculous ring demands either.

    Scott Rackley
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    YTAs are either gold digging whores, or have never met one. Or rich, could be that too.

    Petra
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't like your use of the word "whores", but I otherwise agree with you. Leaving this comment here in case someone else wants to upvote your sentiment, but not your word choice.

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    Agata Konador
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We got married without an engagement ring. I never needed one to be with man of my life. This is a ritual I will never understand 😉

    Stacy Bender
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Every time I see posts like this I think of my parents. My dad had one of his sister's help pick out the ring. Platinum with an emerald cut diamond. Ma told him he spent too much. ($250 in 1958 I think) I have it as my wedding ring now. It's the only diamond I've ever liked. Financial compatibility is one key in a marriage. Communication is another.

    Phoebe Bean
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All engagements rings are The Precioussss (regardless of the price) because they are given by someone in love... that woman is a moron.

    Loo
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Such a stupid tradition… WHY spend so much on a trinket, WHY compare it to other's trinkets, and WHY is it just one of the persons paying for it? Our rings are silver and titanium, we loved how they looked and we bought them because they made us happy. I don’t care if someone else’s ring costs more than my car, you do you.

    sweet emotion
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In 1959, my parents chose to buy a dinette set for their first home instead of an engagement ring. It was a decision they agreed on together, just like hundreds of other major decisions they made for the next 42 years.

    Deborah B
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm saying ESH - She's bonkers on the £20k for a ring. He's an idiot for not having talked to her about financial values and made they were financially compatible before he proposed. "Arguing about the price of the ring" is a red flag for a couple, because it shows that they have fundamentally different attitudes about spending, If they haven't been able to establish joint guidelines and compromises before the ring-buying stage, they're not ready. Financial stress is a major contributor in divorce.

    similarly
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's definitely important before proposing to talk about values and how the couple feels about a LOT of different things.

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    lwolf1952
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My only comment about rings is that they are good for removing fingers if they get caught on the wrong thing.

    Kylie
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Plenty of careers where you can't wear a ring while working for that very reason.

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    François Bouzigues
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Resale value of a 20k diamond ring would be somewhere between 20 and 60% depending on the brand, carat, clarity.... Definitely a dumb move moneywise to spend so much on something that does not have intrensic value. I would not marry anyone who can´t process that. Half a gold bar would be a sound investment in that price range.

    Kylie
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The only way to spend that sort of cash on a ring (if you want it to keep the value) is to buy the stone separately for that price then have it set.

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    Sunny Day
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Saying the price of the ring represents how much he values her reminds me of trading livestock for a bride. "I offer 2 goats and a chicken" "No, she is worth 4 goats!"

    UpupaEpops
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I mean. I don't know if I'd have the guts to walk around with a 20k ring on my finger. But aside from that, I think it also depends on their general lifestyle. Sadly I know men who will happily drop that kind of money on their hobbies but will kick a girl out if she expects to be as much of a financial priority as their partner. For example, I know someone who drives a Mercedes G. They bought their wife an Opel Astra. Nothing wrong with the car per se, but it is a reflection of how much say she has in the relationship.

    similarly
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unless it was the car SHE wanted. I know a couple like that. She didn't feel comfortable driving an expensive car. I think she was worried about having an accident with it.

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    Angela C
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    20,000 is a decent used car. There's no effing way I'd expect someone to spend that much on a piece of fûcking jewelry. How shallow can you be?

    Stckynote
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i'd feel real safe walking around with 20 grand on my hand....

    Gavin Johnson
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The ring represents a promise. The value of the ring in no way represents the VALUE of the promise. Anyone who tells you that the value IS connected to the price of the ring is totally incorrect, your commitment to them cannot be valued in monetary terms, if they think it can then they seriously undervalue you and your commitment. Time for you to move on to someone who does see your value.

    Petra
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like your comment a lot. It's like "a wedding is not a marriage", but even better. Like, "the value of the ring is not the value of the promise". Thanks for sharing!

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    🇫🇮 Goth Nurse 🇫🇮
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We bought our engagement rings for 30€. Our wedding rings were 140€ and I thought those were a bit expensive lol :D (here usually both have engagement rings and the bride gets a wedding ring - but we both wanted wedding rings also)

    Tabitha
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never had and engagement ring, just a plain gold band, and my husband and I have been very happily married since 2001. A few years ago he asked me if I wanted a diamond ring to go with my wedding band. I said if HE felt he needed to, I would consider it a gift, but I was not going to insist on it, because our marriage is more important to me than a ring. I also knew we couldn’t afford it , and would rather have the bills paid and a nice nest egg in the bank instead of a rock on my finger. He hasn’t mentioned it since, though I know that once he can afford it he probably will buy one for me.

    Mike F
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd be curious to know what she does for a living that 20k would be the ring price she would be good with.

    StumblingThroughLife
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    $2,400 wasn't enough? WTaF??? What is wrong with people? Wantwantwant & tantrumtantrumtantrum when they don't get what they want. We have toddlers in adult bodies. Mankind, as a species, is a joke. A very embarrassing one. Although we'll be nuked into extinction soon enough, the way things are going, so ... 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♂️

    CatWoman1014
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I guess they didn’t ring shop or have a discussion ahead of time. I think that needs to be done so the guy can get an idea of what is expected. Obviously here the breakup would have occurred sooner.

    KatSaidWhat
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    GoldBetty up there is more like golddigga. Never place monetary value on items as you will never be happy. Bullet dodged - imagine how much that wedding would have cost?!?!

    George Costanza
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The ring or lack thereof has no effect on the durability of the marriage. The marriage matters. None of the material things related to it mean one thing in the long run.

    William Teach
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    First off, he's looking at this through a logical POV, rather than an emotional POV. But, that is often what men do. So, how does he overcome the emotional response of GF? That's a tough one. If their expectation on ring cost are so far apart, it seems like a bad match for future family economics.

    Liz The Biz
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To me it wouldn't matter if the ring cost £1 or a £1,000,000. What is important is that it is from the person you love with all your heart and want to spend the rest of your life with.

    Scotira
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To me it would absolutely matter if the ring was CHF 1'000'000, in the sense that I would be SCARED AS HECK that I would lose it 🙈 otherwise I agree with you 😅 my husband and I didn't even have rings when we got married bc of our work both of us shouldn't wear rings. In the end we had medaillons made from a local artisan 🥰

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    Seedy Vine
    Community Member
    2 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hate when people make weddings so transactional. It's supposed to be about love, not prostitution.

    Aslan Balaur
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you want a $20,000 ring marry a millionaire who doesn't give a damn about money. Seriously, even $2,400 is, to me, outrageous. It's just a junk of carbon, dug out of the ground by people DeBeers treat as little more than slaves. DeBeers makes billions conning young impressionable American women that there is more meaning to spending more on a rock than there is. It's still just a rock, and without special skills and training, you can replace it with cut glass and nobody would know the difference. My engagement ring for my wife was a tree-stone sterling ring with three very dark matched amethysts in it. I got her this just a few weeks before we got married. The actual proposal had no ring, as I did it online. We lived 1800 miles from each other at the time. This May marks 26 years married. I spent $72 on the ring. Don't waste thousands on a lousy chunk of carbon. Find a stone either that she loves, or that has meaning within your relationship, no matter how cheap.

    Brenda Spagnola-Wilson
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Late hubby proposed to me with a cigar band (which I still have). My actual ring is man-made sapphires w/ accents. He bought it at Sears and spent $200. He wanted to "upgrade" it at 10 years, but I declined. I got exactly what I wanted. Instead, he planned an amazing 10th anniversary weekend, a memory I cherish.

    CF
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My ex fiance proposed with a $10k ring. I have no clue about carat, etc, I know nothing about that nor do I care a whit. He was so insistent that he knew me so well, but if he really knew me, he wouldn't have given me an incredibly expensive piece of jewelry to lose. (Didn't lose it, but only because I rarely wore it for the 8 years we lasted after). Yes, he had the $10k but it depleted his savings. Meanwhile, my number one stress day to day? Money. Im not going to tool around wearing a 10k ring when I can't afford my next student loan payment. What an imbecile.

    Tyranamar Seuss
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She's probably missing out on a good man. He possibly could've kept her spending in check. She's not thinking about her actual future with that kind of spending.

    T'Mar of Vulcan
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My father couldn't afford an engagement ring so my mother never had one. They were married for 56 years when he died. I took my mom's 18 karat gold ring (after she died), a ring with diamond chips I got from my aunt for my conformation (only 9 karat gold - you can get those here) and had them melted together to make a new ring to remind me of them both. Probably they wouldn't be worth more than about three thousand rand (around $200) but the new ring is priceless to me.

    Babs McGurk
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mr. Babs and I shopped together for my ring, a quarter carat solitaire in a plain gold band. I've been wearing the same ring for the past 43 years, and never wanted to 'upgrade'. If a woman rates her engagement and marriage on the amount of money her ring cost, that doesn't say much about her devotion to her potential mate. This LW dodged a bullet.

    H R
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, I would rather have a lab grown stone rather having a diamond from conflict areas

    Kathy Richardson
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have been married 25 years now and never even had an engagement ring. Personally, I think they are a big waste of money. However, I also think most weddings are a big waste of money as I would rather spend that on an excellent honeymoon and/or down payment on a house.

    Kare Deter
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I didn't like the ring he proposed with but I said yes anyway because I love him. We exchanged the ring for my *dream* ring which cost a lot more, so I helped pay for it. That ring now sits somewhere, not worn yet we've been married for 24 years. I'm trying to decide which of my children should get it.

    Petra
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the way to go about it! Say yes to the marriage then discuss changing the ring together at a later date. Offer to help pay the difference (or pay it completely) and follow through with that offer. Work together for a mutually beneficial outcome. Don't be demanding and entitled like the lady in the story.

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    Sarah Matsoukis
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would be too scared to wear the 2k ring already, bumping, scratching or losing it.

    Julie S
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    20k on an engagement ring is ridiculous I would be to scared to wear it. In fact I'd a bit worried about 2k.

    Bobby
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband proposed with a 60 dollar silver ring with some black stones. We don't have wedding bands even now and our marriage cost 80 dollars. Our marriage will last unlike the shallow f***s like the woman here.

    Celestial Phalanx
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah she wasn't really interested in your love, only how she can impress her social circle in a game of material one-upmanship.

    Pedro Badan
    Community Member
    4 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Please tell me BP didn't censor the word "p a w n" in that comment 😑

    Pedro Badan
    Community Member
    4 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG it did it to me too. I just had to add the spaces 🤦🏻‍♀️

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    Me Me
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If my partner proposed to me with a 2400€ ring (which we could afford), I’d ask him if he was nuts. This is WAY too much money just to be wearing it on a finger and I’d be afraid of losing it all the time. Also, its value would in no way reflect the quality of our relationship. I seriously don’t understand all the fuss about engagements or spending a huge sum on a wedding. Imagine all the nice things you could use that money for? Down payment on a house for example. Who is really profiting from the whole process? Hint: it’s not you. It’s the wedding industry. Slap the label „wedding“ onto something and the price doubles or triples. It’s ridiculous. I don’t need all that expensive s**t to know I love my partner and we belong together. If you tie the quality of your relationship to things like money or how much money was spent on a ring, you’re doing it wrong! I would’ve dumped her, too.

    millac
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really hate this "race to the bottom" expectation that women must accept even low/no effort gestures with gushing feelings and they're wrong if they don't. Bragging that you got your wife with a twist tie ring is not the flex you think it is. It is perfectly all right if she has high expectations and if she prioritizes gestures of affection that she can show others and which represent considerable time and sacrifice. There is nothing wrong or bad about her wanting that. Neither is there anything wrong or bad about a man knowing this about a woman and deciding he cannot/does not want to meet those expectations and moving on. So long as everyone is clear and nobody lies (that SIL who was given a cheap-o cubic zirconia was definitely lied to and misled) everyone is good. Stop bragging about how little effort you found acceptable while judging those who wanted something else.

    Me Me
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So you really think that how much effort or money goes into a proposal is enough of a basis to decide if your relationship is worth it? It‘s ONE action. You cannot tie a whole relationship to the effort someone puts into one action. If he‘s not right for you, and he doesn’t put effort into your relationship, you will know based on how your day to day life goes. Your marriage will be s****y even if his one gesture proposing to you included a high value ring and a lot of effort. So it doesn’t really have a meaning. And if your relationship is great and both of you value each other by putting effort in it in your day to day lives, it really doesn’t matter if he proposed on a candle light dinner with romantic music and an expensive ring or if he just asked „marry me“ while snuggling on your sofa on a normal day without a ring at all. Not to mention the fact that there’s two equal people and it’s really not about women expecting high value stuff from the men. We’re not in the 50s anymore!

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    Fox with a Dragon Tattoo
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The ones defending that wh*re are unhinged. Exactly what do they offer of equal value? Oh right... NOTHING. Its one sided and perverse. That wh*re deserves to be alone. Full stop.

    Susy Hammond
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I got married I didn't have an engagement ring. I bought my own wedding band for $15.00 in 1973. The marriage didn't work out, but I'm still glad my ex did not go into debt getting me some flashier thing.

    Pille P
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In my country there is no tradition of an engagement ring. My wedding ring cost 60 Euros. I chose it because of colour of the gold matching another heirloom. I have thought of upgrading but in the end theres no point.

    Pille P
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sure nowadays people copy the west and US based on what they see in the movies. But it is mot as common

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    Neb
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Considering that my last car (5 years old at the time, with 60K miles) was less than 15K with taxes... I would say he made right decision. You can spend money if you have them, but not from debt.

    zovjraar me
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    been married for 24 years and his proposal was: why don't we just get married? my response: sure. no ring, no wedding, still don't have a ring, totally happy. :) love is worth more than any material thing.

    Hakitosama
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    20k ??? It's the quarter of my small European house's value !!! We inherited my grandma's ring (a big sapphire surrounded by small diamonds set in a platinum band... Yeah my Gramps worked at the "Union minière" in Congo and it's not worth 20k ! What the FUDGE? Ha and fun fact, the ring came AFTER the marriage...her actual fiançailles ring was....my oldest aunt 😂 she was so fed up with her parents not approving her choice of fiance that she said to my Gramps "we're making a baby ! That will shut them up !"

    Alexandra Prytkova
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I was at uni, one of the guys in my year was engaged and about to marry. His family was well off, but not exceedingly rich. The fiancee expected them to go all in on the wedding, a super expensive gown, arriving to the place on a helicopter, that sort of stuff. When he told me about it, despite us not being overly close, it was clear he wasn't comfortable with her expectations. I told him he shouldn't marry her if that was her position on the matter, but he said his parents could afford it and he had strong feelings for her. They divorced in less than two years... after his parents spent a small fortune on the wedding.

    DustBunny
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My brother proposed to his wife with a $35 silver and aquamarine ring. 23 years and counting.

    D. Pitbull
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Demanding a certain value is ... eugh. I think ... feel... whatever, the proposer and proposee are setting up a statement with that ring (let's call it a physical symbol). He put a lot of $$ into it, and from the looks of it, thought as well, about her and their future, so "I think of what you'd like, and I'm thinking of our future", and she slapped him in the face with, well, "I base the value of our relationship in $$ only." I mean, it's not like she said "I don't want a diamond" and then he got one anyhow because "Tradition!" - then that'd be more "What I think and want is more important than your thoughts and wants. Deal with it." and he'd be TA.

    Greg H
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That the stone was a gift from my grandmother ( necklace she had had three diamonds in it, and she had it split amongst her three grandsons, and I took that and had it put into a 200.00 rung and setting when I was younger and just waited fro the right girl...my wife ADORES her ring. Plus I proposed while she had e-coli, (there's a story)

    Evelyn Wilson (PenelopePink4170)
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They should've gone ring shopping together. Giving her what YOU think she deserves is controlling behavior. We chose my ring together. Over the years, we've chosen bigger & better rings. Patience is the path, but together.

    Feelings are fake
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Welcome to the age of emotional maturity coming from TikTok. It's only going to get worse.

    DrBronxx
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I couldn’t afford a ring. But, when discussions came up about marriage, my now-wife made it clear that she didn’t want an engagement ring, that any money saved for that would be better spent on our wedding/marriage. The wedding rings meant more to her, because those are rings we both have. Even for those, we almost didn’t buy them because we couldn’t quite find the right ones, until we did. I liked them, she loved them, and they were about $500US for the pair.

    Kay
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If my boyfriend proposed to me with a 2400$ ring I probably would stop to rethink the relationship. At this point he should know I don't care about things but experiences and time together, and when it comes to jewellery I like cheap finds from flea markets. If he got me a diamond ring it would suggest he doesn't know me at all... Or got brainwashed into thinking that's what he has to do.

    Juanita Sullivan
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This man made the right choice. That girl was out of her mind about the cost of an engagement ring. I thought $2400 was over the top. My engagement ring was about $200 but that was decades ago and that was a lot of money at that time. It was a diamond chip which was just fine.

    Max Fox
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I did not give my wife an engagement ring at all. We've been married for 32 years now. If I had spent $20,000 on a ring she would have thrown me, and the ring, out the window. What a fvcking waste of money. As that person said, unless it's the One Ring To Rule Them All, it ain't worth $20,000.

    Roberta Surprenant
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love my $65 ring from p**n shop. I also love my husband, funny how that works out.

    Atlasheld
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Prior to my proposing, I had purchased a ring for about $2800 from Daniels that we both picked out. I proposed at Machu Picchu about eight months later and by that time I had bought another ring for $35,000. It was much more and had a very large clear diamond. When I brought it out the proposal, she stopped in her tracks and said oh no where is my ring!? Despite everything she loves that original ring for the romantic times more than the extremely large diamond ring that I got her. Her values align with mine and it makes my day every time I see her with the less costly ring on. Which is 90% of the time.

    Christopher Crockett
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I'm ever insane enough to get married again, screw rings. I'd rather have a set of dueling pistols.

    CBolt
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    & isn't that the most ridiculous "expert" statement ever - a ring in the $500 range..... is more likely GUARANTEE that ..... end in divorce

    Becca not Becky
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband spent about $200 on a ring from a second-hand store. We upgraded to a much nicer ring years later, but even that was on a major sale. We decided it was better not to start our marriage with a fat debt, and we've been married almost 9 years now.

    Angrykitten
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'll never understand wanting a ring that expensive. I would never feel comfortable wearing it. What if I some how lost it? Or someone saw it and recognized it's value and I got robbed. Nope not for me. My only wish was for an emerald. Didn't even need to be natural, lab grown are just as pretty. Just not a diamond they are over rated

    michele mbennett101044@yahoo.c
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hmmm...we went to Reno with $200, got married with no rings, three years later finally got rings and a honeymoon trip. Been 40 years and still together ❤️

    weatherwitch
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My engagement ring cost £5. She's pathetic, greedy and an absolute Moron. He escaped big time there.

    Dirk Daring
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd like to know how much money she was planning to spend on him.

    Miki
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    God. What a shallow ladie. This guy truly dodged a bullet.

    whineygingercat
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jeulia.com has so many beautiful engagement rings and wedding ring sets. All made with created diamonds. Most under $500. I wear a 3 1/2 karat white sapphire solitaire, with a matching pave band. It's stunning and I've gotten SO many compliments on it.

    Megan Contreras
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    $20K on a ring?!?! I mean the 2K one would be locked away tight. I'd be too afraid to ruin it or something.

    Kraneia The Dancing Dryad
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Our rings were $15 silver ones we bought from a mall kiosk..... I'd be uncomfortable with a $20K one. We aren't together any more, but it isn't because he bought me a cheap ring-- we were just incompatible in other ways.

    FreeTheUnicorn
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thats why engagement exists, to make sure marriage is your best option. Clearly these folks aren't compatible. I hope if he wants to marry in the future, he trades up.

    Don Davey
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My wife didn't ask me how much her ring cost but she loves me so it wasn't important.

    Janissary35680
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reading this, the line "Square-cut or pear-shaped, these rocks don't lose their shape" from "Diamonds are a girl's best friend" came to mind and now it's stuck in my head.

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