It’s no secret that Millennials are “starting” life later than all previous generations. From the beginning of their careers to moving house, commitments and marriages; most of life’s major milestones are occurring well into your 30s. How does this affect the process of buying an engagement ring?
Traditionally, the man meets the woman, falls in love with the woman, asks her parents for permission to propose, buys an engagement ring, and asks her to marry him. With this forward-thinking generation, it has taken a step further away from the traditional and towards a more involved approach. Since Millennials are at a more “mature” age, compared to the average age of engaged couples in the past, it can be said that they know more of what they want and don’t want. Women are expressing the need to get involved in the process so their future fiancé doesn’t make a mistake!
I’ve seen everything from a couple equally and happily involved in the recruitment process, head-to-head, excited about their future, to a very stubborn woman Facetimed from work demanding what she wants while her passive boyfriend sits in our showroom ready with credit card. in hand. I’m not here to judge, but I will say this: It should be a mutual decision that both of you are happy with. This new wave of couples choosing an engagement ring together deserves a lot of discussion because it can be very right or very wrong.
There is room for compromise. You are the traditional type of man. You want to woo her and surprise her with that magical moment, big reveal. She, however, is a modern girl who would like to have a say in how her ring will look. If she has her heart set on her seeing the ring for the first time when she opens the box, there is a way to make both of you happy. You and your beloved can make a list of all the things that she would love to see in her ring. Before going out on her own, she can also go window shopping. Ask him to point out some ideal rings. In this way, she feels that she has been active in the process and that her voice has been heard. You are happy because you are not flying blind and still stick to some tradition.
Create another bonding memory. If the suggestion above didn’t hit the mark, perhaps sharing this moment together is the way to go. In fact, this could bring them closer together. Venturing to different jewelry stores to find the perfect couple ring can end up being another beautiful memory in your love story. You can see her eyes light up with excitement and anticipation as she chooses from the many options before her. She can see the desire in your eyes, wanting this to be the beginning of your happiness together forever.
You define what “perfect” is. There is no right or wrong on this momentous occasion. Only the two of you can decide what is perfect for you and stick with it. Forgive those who have their own opinions. After all, in the end, it will be you and her writing the story of your lives together. Make sure it’s one you want to read over and over again!