It is no secret that Millennials are”beginning” life later than every generation preceding them. From beginning their careers, to moving out of the house, to engagements and marriages; many of life’s important milestones are happening well into their late 30s. How does this impact the practice of shopping for an engagement ring?
With this forward thinking creation, a step was taken away from the standard and towards a more involved approach. Since Millennials are of a more”mature” age, compared to the typical age of engaged couples in the past, it can be said they know more of what they need and don’t want. Women are expressing the need to participate in the process so that their future fiancé can’t get it wrong!
I’ve seen everything from a few equally and joyously involved in the selection process together hand in hand excited about their potential, to a very opinionated woman on Facetime conferencing from work demanding what she wants as her passive boyfriend sits in our showroom prepared with credit card in hand. Now I’m not here to pass judgment, but I will say this: this has to be a mutual decision that you are both happy with. This new wave of couples choosing an engagement ring together warrants much discussion since it can be very right or very wrong.
There is room for compromise. You are the traditional sort of man. You need to court her and surprise her with that magical moment big show. In case you have your heart set on having her see the ring for the first time when you open that box there is a way to make you both happy. You and your beloved can make a list of all of the things she would love to see in her ring. Before you set out on your own, you may also go window-shopping. Have her point out a few ideal rings. You’re happy because you are not flying blind and still get to stick to some tradition.
If the former suggestion wasn’t hitting the mark, possibly sharing in this moment together is the way to go. This could in fact bring you closer together. Venturing out to different jewelers to find the perfect ring as a couple can end up being another beautiful memory in your love story. You can see her eyes light up with building excitement and anticipation as she chooses from the many choices before her.
You define what”perfect” is. There’s no right or wrong in this momentous occasion. Only the two of you can decide what’s perfect for you and stick to it. Forgive people who have their own opinions. After all, in the end, it is going to be you and her writing the story of your lives together. Make sure it is one that you will want to read again and again!