How do you view promise rings? What is their purpose? ?

Question

I just wanted to know some other people's takes on promise rings. I think they're a sweet idea if you are interested in being in a long term relationship and will not be able to be engaged anytime soon; simply a symbol of love and hope. What do you think?

Answer 1

What would prevent someone from getting engaged? Anyone can promise to marry anyone else at any time. There's no ring needed.

I think promise rings are pointless. Either get engaged or don't.  

Answer 2

I think the same way you do.

Answer 3

They are cheaper versions of engagement rings.  You might as well just get engaged, it's the same thing.  You can be engaged for 10 years, or 2 weeks, it doesn't matter.

Answer 4

I think they are stupid. All out stupid.  Either you are engaged or you are not.  If you are engaged, you should be planning a wedding.  

Answer 5

They are pretty much for high schoolers going steady.

Adults in a mature dating relationship thinking of marriage would get engaged.

Answer 6

I think they seem very young. They're a nice gesture, I guess, but I'm at a point in my life where a promise ring would seem ridiculous.

Answer 7

I think they are like subway tokens:  a payment for service.

You know exactly what I mean

Answer 8

I think it symbolizes love and hope too, and a promise to get married in the future.  

Answer 9

I look at promise rings as a way for a couple who cannot be engaged as a way to show their commitment.  About the only reason I can think of would be the young age of a couple.  I don't think I've known anyone with a promise ring older than their teenage years.  If you're older, then why not just be engaged for real?

I know that if my fiance had tried to give me a promise ring I would have told him to save his money and wait until he was ready to make a real commitment and until then I was fine with just being his girlfriend and not in some crazy pre-engagement flux.  I'm older though, so it would seem ridiculous to explain to people, "Well, it's a promise ring.  Yes, I know I'm 36.  No, I don't know why he can't just propose already."

I think it's adorable when high-schoolers have them.  I have a friend whose son has just bought one for his girlfriend - they are both sixteen.  Will it last?  Not likely, but it was very sweet anyway.

Answer 10

They seem a little bit materialistic to me.  Like something the jewelry companies came up with to get guys to spend more money on jewelry.  As my husband pointed out you're making a promise to make a promise to make a promise.  It gets a bit redundant after a while.

Answer 11

I'm with you I think there very sweet and really make a statement about the couple.

Answer 12

Honestly.... I've recieved one in my lifetime... and it didn't work out.  Everyone else I know that had a promise ring... also broke up.... I kind of see them as a curse.  Good meaning and idea, but could be a bad omen.  Just personal experience.

Answer 13

I view a promise ring the same way you do.

Answer 14

I think they are for the very young.  

Answer 15

I always thought promise rings were for younger couples that aren't exactly ready for a commitment of an engagement but still want to express their commitment to one another.

Answer 16

My now Fiance gave me a promise ring after my first year at college. We met in high school and he stayed home and worked. He didn't to the college thing. anyways, we are engaged to be married in 2 weeks and I still wear my promise ring. I just wear it on my right hand now. I wore it on my left hand until I got my engagement ring. I think they are very special when you are ready for a long term relationship, but not yet ready to be engaged.