[h2oot]

An engagement ring is part of our culture and tradition, just like being engaged and getting married are, too. Do I have to be engaged?...NO. Do I HAVE to have a ring?...NO. But these traditions are important and are a priority to me and those close to me.

The ring and the engagement symbolize a commitment between the two of us. When a guy gives the girl an engagement ring, he gives her something precious for life (you don't just wear the engagement ring while you are engaged). It's something of value to him (he earns the money to pay for it) and to her (she treasures it and wears it prominently for all to see).

The committment, the ring, and the engagement are a priority. You could skip any or all of these and go to a JoP and get married right away. Many do.

Why do we have rituals in a sorority? You could have a sorority without them. Why have a pin? You don't HAVE to have one. But the rituals, symbols, and traditions are a special part of the whole experience. And yes, they are a priority. If I am gonna be in XYZ sorority, I want the letters and traditons that go with it. Otherwise, a group of gals could meet on Friday night at the Union and hang out.

The rituals and symbols cost both in time and dollars, but they are a priority in that are a REAL part of what they represent. You can take them away, and still have something (i.e., you could still be engaged), but a piece would seem to be missing. So, unless there is a specific reason NOT to have an engagement ring, then having one is a priority.

[ps: If you are both starving artists, for example, then a ring could be set aside. But too often I have heard ladies get talked out of one by some guy who doesn't want to waste the money or would rather get a 32" TV.]