How to Give a Girl a Promise Ring

A promise ring should be presented in a way that signifies seriousness of purpose.

A promise ring, as the name implies, symbolizes a commitment a young couple has made to each other. Sometimes the ring signifies the pair's intention to eventually become engaged; others wear them to show they are dating each other exclusively. These ornaments are also worn by couples who intend to remain together long-term, yet don't wish to marry. When you give one to a woman, you should mark the occasion with a meaningful presentation that shows you're serious about the promise you're making to her.

Instructions

1. Buy a ring that shows you pay attention to what she likes. Consider what her tastes are: if she prefers gold to platinum, gaudy rocks or dainty stones, or if she favors her ruby birthstone instead of a semi-precious rock like a garnet. Or, if you'd like to follow a promise ring tradition, purchase a posey ring, which is a solid band that has romantic sentiments engraved in it, or a ring with two entwined hearts.

2. Choose a place or time that has meaning to you as a couple. Give it to her at the park bench where you both met while you were walking the dogs. Recapture your first date to the beach with a sunset walk along the water. Mark the milestone of the one-year anniversary of your courtship with the ring.

3. Plan a presentation she'll love to remember. Take advantage of a family wedding. Pop your own question to her while you enjoy a slow dance. Take her for a midnight drive to look at the stars and wait for the right moment. If she's the impulsive type, pretend to reluctantly go along when she drags you along shopping. Surprise her by steering her to a jewelry store to pick out something.

4. Hold her hand and let your guard down when you give the ring to her. Tell her how you feel about her, why she makes you happy and how special she is to you. Don't worry if it doesn't sound too original or romantic. What matters is your sincerity. Place the ring on her left finger. She can wear it on either ring finger if she wants, but the left is more symbolic.

5. Be clear about what you are promising her. If you are pledging fidelity--yet not thinking about engagement--then keep your sentiments along the lines of, "I promise to be faithful to you throughout our relationship." You don't want her to assume that you are promising to one day marry her if that's not what you have in mind. In such cases, it would be a good idea to avoid buying a ring with a diamond.

6. Celebrate her acceptance of your gift. Plan ahead of time to take her on a special date, like dinner at a Greek place she's been dying to try or an outdoor concert by a band you both love.

Tips & Warnings

• Offer to wear a promise ring of your own. Your girlfriend or partner will appreciate your willingness to wear a symbol of commitment to each other. Decide if you want to wear a matching ring or have her pick a different one out for you.

• A Claddagh ring is a popular promise ring that would especially be appropriate for couples of Irish descent since the ornament originally came from Ireland.

Resources

• Promise-Rings.info: History of the Promise Ring
• WeddingBandsInc.com: Promise Rings Guide