Engagement ring besides diamond?

[monster]

It is my opinion that you're all wrong But then most of you are American I have have to say the biggest shock I had was how "old fashioned" it is here -not that there's anything wrong with old fashioned if that makes you happy, it was just not what I expected and it still surpises me greatly every now and then.

cicero, I'm not arguing with you, just stating that I believe your advice is bad. Of course I cannot say what would make her happy, that is why I am giving my opinion based on what would make me happy. Your opinion does not have to be the same. Also, the diamond is traditional. Not wanting diamond = shunning a tradition. My words, not the OP's, never claimed as the OP's. OK?

As for the Mrs thing, yes Mrs = Mistress. Way back when in my English class I was taught that Mistress came from the word mister's as in belonging to mister. I cannot find a quick online reference to this, maybe my teacher was incorrect. I doubt it though. Especially as the "correct form" of address for a married woman is to use her husband's first name: Mrs. Richard Wembley.

Either way, that was an aside and is not relevant to the OP's query.


If asking parental permission is just a petty nod to tradition over here, of course it will do no harm. But I really cannot believe that no-one feels that some brides may want to be the first to know and may want to break the news to their parents themselves. But then I am also amazed by the number of people who keep secrets from their spouses and run to their mom or other best friend for comfort before their spouses. Horses for courses.