disclaimer: if you've got a large engagement ring do not take this post personally. this is a criticism of our society and its values. not of the individuals who live in it.
I made it back to the states for my yearly visit just in time for my 10 year high school reunion. I have one remaining friend from high school. The rest are facebook friends I haven't seen in years. But I went, hoping to catch a few long-lost friends I hadn't seen since graduation.
Greeting old friends and acquaintances I was struck by the size of their engagement rings. By struck I do not imply that my eyes popped out in jealousy. I assure you, they did not. I was struck because I've been living in a country where engagement rings symbolize engagement; and they are beautiful, classy, and modest. And where I wouldn't even notice it if I hadn't happened to look upon ones hand.
Yet these rings looked over-sized, loud, and even uncomfortable to wear.
Perhaps I wasn't bothered so much by the size of the rings, as I was by what I think they symbolize. Why would anyone choose to spend an exorbitant amount on such a bulky ring, if not for what it stands for? And what does it stand for? Is it a sign of a man's love or commitment for the one he loves? Or does it stand to show a couples' value and worth?
Am I getting carried away? Perhaps. But I can not shrug the feeling that U.S. culture places great emphasis on material life rather than spiritual life; on what we have, rather than on who we are. In high school people valued one another by designer labels, today they seem to value one another by the number of karats.
If I am to be judged, I should hope it be on who I am, not on what I have.
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