Been dating since 11/25/06-11/25/10

[Junket]

I still want to tie the knot, but not sure how to go about it. Work has been slow, money has been tight. I feel like if I try to put it off for when we're in a good financial situation it could be another year from now. She'd like a ring...nothing fancy, but I know she appreciates the symbolism. And it seems kinda retarded to discuss how she'd feel about not getting a ring right away...then proposing...

I dunno, blah.

[Mish]

It's a tough situation Fras, but I think if you are honest and up front with her she will understand

[vashti]

Maybe your mother or grandmother would be willing to part with their wedding ring. It's not all that uncommon, really.

[Junket]

Maybe your mother or grandmother would be willing to part with their wedding ring. It's not all that uncommon, really.

I don't have a favorable relationship with my mother. I spoke to her once the other day after over a year.

I'm getting aggravated.

I should be celebrating this day more with her, but I'm debilitated on my inability to make a decision on how I would propose to her.

I hate impractical traditions.

[misombra]

i don't quite understand the hurry.

[Junket]

You never will.

[misombra]

nope. probably not.

[twinrexes]

Here's what my husband and I did when we got engaged:

He was also in a tight situation financially but I understood and we made a plan.

To symbolize the ring for the occasion, he bought a very nice simulated diamond.

Next we shopped together for a real setting (much more affordable than the center stone).

Then my husband (fiance back then) started setting aside a set amount every week to save up for the real diamond.

By the time we got married I had a very lovely one carat solitaire in place of the simulated diamond.

And we lived happily ever after...

[Boisdevie]

It's not a question of money, after all a diamond is just a piece of rock that 'people' have given a value to. If you love her and want to get engaged/married then go for it. If she loves you then she loves you and a ring counts for very little - it is the love that counts.

[girl68]

If you can afford a ring, get one and propose. At that point you can discuss how the wedding could be years away.