She Strengthens

Rethinking the Symbolism of Engagement Rings

As I read about women’s expectations for engagement rings, I was struck by the sense of entitlement that pervaded some of their responses. It got me thinking about the role of material possessions in our pursuit of happiness and the outdated symbolism behind expensive diamond rings.

Challenging Traditional Notions

Growing up in a conservative, religious family in Lima, Peru, I was always drawn to questioning the status quo. Why do women typically take their husband’s name, and not the other way around? Why do couples feel pressured to have big, fancy weddings if they rarely attend church? These questions led me to reexamine my own values and aspirations.

Embracing Personal Freedom

When I realized I didn’t need to conform to traditional expectations of marriage and motherhood, a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I didn’t want to be tied down by societal norms; I wanted to forge my own path. My parents, though worried, eventually came to respect my decisions.

The True Meaning of Diamonds

Diamonds, to me, represent a man’s purchasing power and ability to impress with material possessions. They’re a symbol of a bygone era, when women were dependent on men for financial security. In today’s world, where women have more autonomy and independence, the significance of diamond rings has changed.

Rethinking Wedding Rituals

While I understand the romantic appeal of the proposal ritual and the desire to show off a beautiful engagement ring, I believe we should rethink the significance of these symbols. We should question why we continue to follow traditions that no longer serve us. It’s time to create new, meaningful rituals that reflect our personal values and preferences.

Breaking Free from Entitlement

What bothers me is when people demand the continuation of outdated rituals simply because they’ve always been done that way. We should reject the notion that we need the same symbols of material affection that made sense in the past. Instead, let’s focus on creating meaningful, personalized celebrations that reflect our unique love stories.