On Marriage

when did we start getting censored???

****ing long time ago

when did we start getting censored???

SINCE YOU STARTED SAYING **** SO ****ING OFTEN, ****!!!!!!lc

marriage is pointless. If you're committed then stay committed. If you're not then leave. I cannot for the life of me understand why people would intentionally "limit their options" only to make it harder for them to live separate lives if they change. Because other people do it? **** that. I am married by the way.

Very happily it appears.

Oh, saden, one more thing... the engagement ring. I was talking to my wife earlier this morning and she mentioned one of the girls in the office was getting married. Then she went on to talk about how the women were all comparing rings... and how hers was the best. I have to tell you, that is one purchase that you only get one shot at and you have to go big. You'll never regret the money you spend on a good one, but you'll kick yourself if you don't. I'd say find something that you think is just about right, and then go up by about 50-100% depending on your budget. My wife was never a big jewelry person, never talked about it anyway, but she has repeatedly talked about all the compliments she gets, and it always makes her smile. Money well spent.

Oh, saden, one more thing... the engagement ring. I was talking to my wife earlier this morning and she mentioned one of the girls in the office was getting married. Then she went on to talk about how the women were all comparing rings... and how hers was the best. I have to tell you, that is one purchase that you only get one shot at and you have to go big. You'll never regret the money you spend on a good one, but you'll kick yourself if you don't. I'd say find something that you think is just about right, and then go up by about 50-100% depending on your budget. My wife was never a big jewelry person, never talked about it anyway, but she has repeatedly talked about all the compliments she gets, and it always makes her smile. Money well spent.

How much are we talking here? 3k ring? more?

How much are we talking here? 3k ring? more?More than $ 3K balla. The rule of thumb is 2 months salary. If you go with a 1 karat, with high clarity and high color rating you'll be fine. The clarity and color ratings give the ring the "sparkle". Cut and minimizing inclusions are important, but from what my wife tells me, women talk about the size of the ring and then look at the sparkle. (Size does matter)

Do NOT buy from one of the chain jewelers or someone in a mall. Find an independent jewlery store that has been well established in your area. Do some research online and negotiate the hell out of them, you should get a good deal. PM me if you want more detail. Good luck!

Also check into a local metal fabrication contractor for the "ball & chain". :)

Oh, saden, one more thing... the engagement ring. I was talking to my wife earlier this morning and she mentioned one of the girls in the office was getting married. Then she went on to talk about how the women were all comparing rings... and how hers was the best. I have to tell you, that is one purchase that you only get one shot at and you have to go big. You'll never regret the money you spend on a good one, but you'll kick yourself if you don't. I'd say find something that you think is just about right, and then go up by about 50-100% depending on your budget. My wife was never a big jewelry person, never talked about it anyway, but she has repeatedly talked about all the compliments she gets, and it always makes her smile. Money well spent.

And I would actually say the exact opposite. If a woman cares that much about the size of the ring and comparing it to other women, then she's going to do the same thing with cars, with houses, with clothes, with everything. Run like hell from those broads. If she can't be happy with whatever you pick out, then she's missing the point.

The point is she's supposed to love whatever you pick out, because you gave it to her.

Now I'm not saying buy her a piece of shit, but don't stress about making sure she's got a huge ring. If you got the cash and need to find something to do with it, then why the hell not. But I'd rather put that money towards a kick ass honeymoon, something that can create memories for the two of you.

And I would actually say the exact opposite. If a woman cares that much about the size of the ring and comparing it to other women, then she's going to do the same thing with cars, with houses, with clothes, with everything. Run like hell from those broads. If she can't be happy with whatever you pick out, then she's missing the point.

The point is she's supposed to love whatever you pick out, because you gave it to her.

Now I'm not saying buy her a piece of shit, but don't stress about making sure she's got a huge ring. If you got the cash and need to find something to do with it, then why the hell not. But I'd rather put that money towards a kick ass honeymoon, something that can create memories for the two of you.

I agree here big time. A friend of mine is a partner in a small jewelry business here in the DC area. He's helping me put together a ring for my girlfriend. I'm not currently rolling in the dough, but I'm not poor either, so we're putting together something reasonable. A .75 ct solitaire of very nice cut/color/clarity, set simply in a thin platinum band. It's not amazing, but it's a quality engagement ring and it shines. It's the fact that I'm giving it to her as a representation of my love that counts.

I know plenty of people who started with a small engagement ring because they were on a strict budget at the time, and they gradually upgraded the setting and surrounding diamonds as time passed and money accumulated. Don't buy her garbage, but don't focus on the whole 2 or 3 months salary crap either. That's most likely a myth created by the "Jared" and "Kay's" of the world to boost sales.

If she loves you like she should, she'll be thrilled you're proposing, and not hung up on how much her ring blings. I can't stand women who flash their engagement rings as a status symbol. I see it all the time in an area as affluent as Chevy Chase/Bethesda. It's annoying and superficial. It's actually a direct contradiction of what marriage represents.

More than $ 3K balla. The rule of thumb is 2 months salary. If you go with a 1 karat, with high clarity and high color rating you'll be fine. The clarity and color ratings give the ring the "sparkle". Cut and minimizing inclusions are important, but from what my wife tells me, women talk about the size of the ring and then look at the sparkle. (Size does matter)

Do NOT buy from one of the chain jewelers or someone in a mall. Find an independent jewlery store that has been well established in your area. Do some research online and negotiate the hell out of them, you should get a good deal. PM me if you want more detail. Good luck!

Also check into a local metal fabrication contractor for the "ball & chain". :)

More than 3K for an engagement ring? Isn't the 2 month salary rule for a wedding ring? And is that before or after taxes?

And I would actually say the exact opposite. If a woman cares that much about the size of the ring and comparing it to other women, then she's going to do the same thing with cars, with houses, with clothes, with everything. Run like hell from those broads. If she can't be happy with whatever you pick out, then she's missing the point.

The point is she's supposed to love whatever you pick out, because you gave it to her.

Now I'm not saying buy her a piece of shit, but don't stress about making sure she's got a huge ring. If you got the cash and need to find something to do with it, then why the hell not. But I'd rather put that money towards a kick ass honeymoon, something that can create memories for the two of you.

Hard to find a chick that won't get into the ring discussion. They'll show that off just as often, if not more, than a new baby.