It goes without saying that an engagement is one of the most ~*romantic*~ moments a couple can have in their lifetime. Queen B said it best, "'Cause if you like it, then you should've put a ring on it," so it's only natural for partners to put their hearts and souls into their very own engagement rings.
Recently though, a unanimous sender drew mixed reactions for her ~*unique*~ dilemma about her engagement ring, which she shared to have cost P299 pesos. Netizens have polarizing reactions to the issue, weighing in on the matter and sharing their thoughts albeit also asking for more context.
The user wrote: “My [boyfriend] of eight years just proposed to me. Pero na-guilty ako kasi I am upset due to the fact na the engagement ring only cost 299 [pesos].”
She asked, “Ganito lang ba kababa yung halaga ko sa kanya na hindi nya manlang pinag-ipunan pambili ng ring? Or di ko ba dapat e big deal? Am I too immature to feel this way? Hindi niya alam na nakita ko yung ring binili niya sa [Shopee]. Ignore ko lang ba tong na feel ko? Or should I confront him, kasi ayoko din naman masira yung moment.”
To learn more about how netizens feel about the situation, we conducted a ~*mini survey*~ on ladies and gents—all of whom haven't been engaged but would most likely want to be in the future.
Read on for what they have to say:
"I honestly wouldn't mind! But it's only just because, 1. I'm not a rings girlie; 2. I'm a cheapskate myself; and 3, I don't put too much meaning on the ring, except the willingness of giver to be stuck with me lol. I think the ring means different things to different people, and it's really about how partners attach meanings to these romantic gestures. But like any other girl/guy who's a sucker for romance, I share the same sentiment that the "ring" is a great chance to showcase just how well you know your partner... and to be known is to be loved. At the end of the day, though it's a very risky and important guess, it's a guess all the same. People will always have a 50% chance of getting it right. (This is to say, there's grace when my future fiancé gets it wrong lol) - Majoy
"I think it depends talaga on the couple! I understand why it bothers the girl so much 'cause it makes it seem like the guy isn't willing to spend so much on something very important. But at the same time, I also understand that there are technically more practical things to spend on. I would ideally want to choose an engagement ring together to avoid surprises! I think if you truly are ready for marriage, it's ok to talk about these things and set expectations." - Leika
"If I were in that situation, I wouldn’t question the worth of the ring if I really love the guy, as long as the proposal is genuine and sincere. Personally, I think what matters more is what the guy says when he’s proposing rather than focusing on the price tag. And if budget is really the main concern, I think there are other ways on how you can put effort and make that moment extra special." - Megan
"If put in a similar situation, ako personally sasama loob ko. It's not the value, pero I'd trust na alam ng partner ko what I put premium into and that is the effort and timeless meaning behind the ring. Sabi nung pinsan ko, nung isang beses naggawa sila ng singsing mula dun sa plastic ng straw ng ininom nilang coffee. Tagal nilang di nagkita and yun yung kita lang ulit nila after a long time: an intimate coffee date. Tapos they commemorated it by using the straws as rings, inikot nila sa daliri ng isa't isa. I'd take that over an online purchase of a 299 engagement ring. It boils down how much you know your partner, what he/she values. Valid yung sumama ang loob ni ate kase 8 years pala sila together, alam na nya within the timeframe capabilities nung guy financially. Pero instead of posting it online, sana kinausap nya. Di ko alam baka may reasons yung guy, baka mas may pinag-iipunang iba para sa kanilang dalawa. Give and take sana? Yung hindi sya lumapit sa guy meaning baka di rin safe space pagsabihan yung guy to begin with, showing lapses na sa relationship nila. Dapat na nga sigurong maghiwalay sila, ang aking takeaway." - Kathleen
"As a guy, you want the best for your future fiance and wife. Gusto mo maganda yung singsing at maipagmamalaki niya sa friends and family niya. Okay lang ba sakin yung 299 na ring? Hell no. Pero if yun lang ang kaya niya and sincere and honest ang feelings niya, then okay lang. Ako, hell no magiipon ako hanggang makakita ako ng singsing na babagay sa girlfriend ko. I wouldn't settle for a cheap ring to propose if kakayanin ko naman magipon for something better pero gets ko din yung idea na it's better na maginvest sila sa future though considering na sa Shopee binili, I don't think na marami talagang pera yung lalaki to invest in something. So I really think na walang pera yung lalaki but sana gumawa siya ng paraan para maipakita yung love, dedication and commitment sa girl niya." - Jed
"Sa akin, it’s a double-edged topic. Una, may karapatan si girl na magtampo talaga. Her feelings are valid, and yes, engagements are very serious, so parang, there’s no reason na magtipid for it, especially since they’ll spend their lives together for a long time. It shows na if you saved up for this special moment, it means na you’re hella serious with her and your relationship together. On the other hand, engagements are priceless regardless. I don't know if may pinagdaraanan ba si guy financially. Though I must say, he should’ve done a better route kasi it looks half-assed. Yes, an engagement ring is a traditional capitalist practice. I think what’s better is ayun nga know your partner very well and give her something that would signify what your relationship has been like for months/years. I think it boils down to what really means for the both of them." - Daniel
More thoughts about the matter in our recent #CosmoAsks post below:
