Promise Ring
Significance of the Promise Ring
The usual contract implied behind the offering of a promise ring is that of romantic commitment, generally in the sense of a promise to eventually become engaged and marry. However, there are also several other situations when promise rings are offered. Ironically, one of the reasons a promise ring may be offered is from parents to a daughter. The ring is accepted as a promise to abstain from sexual relationships until the promise ring may be replaced by a wedding band. However, the same gesture may be exchanged between adolescent boyfriends and girlfriends to represent the commitment to lose their virginity to one another.
Wearing a Promise Ring
A promise ring is generally worn on the right ring finger and represents the commitment to a monogamous, faithful relationship between the giver and the receiver. The ring may also be worn on the ring finger of the left hand, however, due to the association of the left ring finger to engagement bands, the right is more appropriate to avoid confusion. If the wearer desires to place the promise ring on the left ring finger, the promise ring generally represents pre-engagement, and can be switched to the right ring finger when it is replaced with an engagement ring. This is especially prominent in adolescents or minors who are unable to legally wed, but are expressing the desire to do so when they reach the proper age. The ring may contain a small jewel or gem, or may be designed or inscribed with a meaningful phrase or image, including the initials of the couple involved. The rings may be customized specifically for the reason behind the exchange, and the cost will vary greatly with the design, but can generally run from twenty-five to a few hundred dollars.
Other Meanings
Rings may be given from either partner in the relationship, and the emotion or promise behind the ring can differ greatly, depending on the desires of the individual who is offering it. Some of the other many meanings and symbols behind a promise ring include:
The promise to return;
The promise to be faithful until the return;
The promise to keep a secret;
The promise to be best friends;
The promise to become engaged when financially able;
The promise to love one another platonically;
The promise to abstain from habit or vice.
Clear Intentions
The receiver of the ring should be very clear on the reason why the ring is being offered as well as understand that accepting the ring means committing to the promise. As the promise ring is most often associated with romantic or matrimonial intentions, the giver of the ring should make very certain the message behind the ring is very clear as well. Oftentimes, the one who offers the ring will include a written explanation on a small piece of paper and enclose it in the box along with the ring as a keepsake.
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