The meaning behind Promise Rings
If you’ve been a giver or receiver of a promise ring, you know that it has many attached symbolisms behind it. It does not matter if you are the giver or the receiver, when a promise ring is given; the promise to the symbol should be and must be kept.
So what sort of reasons are promise rings given for? For starters, a pre-engagement ring. When a man usually gives this symbolism of affection to a woman, they believe she is the one. However, they both may not be ready for an engagement. This is usually done when both man and woman are of young age.
Chastity and substance abstinence are reasons parents give their children a promise ring. The child’s promise to his/her parents that they will refrain from sex until marriage and stay away from social pressures of drinking, doing drugs and smoking.
The third reason a promise ring is given is in cases of monogamy. Whereas, a couple decides not to get married and chooses to stay away from pre-engagement symbolisms, a promise ring can symbolize a couple’s commitment to one another.
If you want to signify a lasting friendship, promise rings are the way to go. Promise rings between friends remind them that they always have someone to lean on in hard times.
So which finger should a promise ring go on? Well, for matters of the heart either the left or right ring finger will do for pre-engagements and monogamy. If the ring is to symbolize abstinence, the left ring finger should be where it goes. Eventually, this is to come off and be placed with an engagement and/or wedding ring. For cases of substance abstinence, any finger will do. However, left ring finger is preferable. If a friendship promise ring is being given, then any fingers, thumbs too, are fine.
Women sometimes wonder if it is appropriate to give a man a promise ring? Although not inappropriate, it’s generally not done. Would you give a man an engagement ring? Chances are: probably not. However, if you are doing a joint promise on monogamy or want to show the man your complete friendship for life, then a simple promise ring or matching promise rings are just fine.
Should a promise ring be given, it’s vital that whatever it is to symbolize be spoken. Never let someone assume that the promise ring means more than what it may actually mean.
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