Put a Ring on It
12February 15, 2013 by Kat Richter
I’ve always been rather suspect of marriage proposals made on Valentine’s Day. I consider them too predictable for my high-drama tastes, too commonplace. Plus they allow the man squeak by with very little effort. I mean, what’s one more box of jewelry when the entire universe is already decked out in hearts and roses and boxes of chocolate?
That said, I have some very dear friends who got engaged on Valentine’s Day, and they don’t seem any worse for the wear… and so, without further ado, I’d like to introduce you to my new best friend:
It’s a lot bigger than I’d ever imagined.
And much more sparkly.
In fact, it’s the prettiest ring I’ve even owned. Unfortunately it still feels weird wearing a ring after nearly three decades of not-wearing-a-ring so I’m glad I’ll only have to wear it once a week.
Which reminds me: I’ve let out a few significant details concerning the acquisition of said ring 
This time next week, I’ll be delivering the first lecture of my cultural anthropology course for a local college. The last time I check my student roster—actually the first time I checked my student roster and every other time since—I was overwhelmed by the number of male students enrolled in my course.
There are tons of them. And judging by the orientation sessions I’ve attended, I’m one of the youngest adjuncts by a good two or three decades. I made the mistake of smiling at a student who happened to be looking my way during the adjunct library orientation last week and his response—well, let’s just say I won’t be making that mistake again.
“I’m thinking of wearing a ring when I’m teaching,” I announced to TWD last week. “Like an engagement ring.”
“I would be okay with that,” he replied. His tone said that he’d be more than okay, actually.
“It’s just that I’m going to have a lot of male students,” I continued. “And I just don’t want to take any chances, you know? Plus it would be a good way to introduce my lesson on ethnology and cultural symbols. I could be like, ‘Okay students, what does this ring symbolize in our culture?’ and they’d be like ‘It’s an engagement ring!’ and I’d be like ‘SIKE! It’s a zipper pull. I bought it at Marshalls for $4.99!’”
“Wouldn’t than defeat the purpose?” TWD pointed out.
“Ummm… well yeah. I guess you’re right.”
So I’ll be leaving that part out. But I think the rest of my plan is rather genius, and I do love me a good social experiment!
(PS: If TWD had in fact proposed to me yesterday, you can bet money I’d have given myself a proper manicure before posting photographs.)
My name is Kat Richter and I'm a writer, dancer and reformed serial dater. I write about relationships, travel, bargain basement fashion and the funny things I see and hear around Philadelphia. Enjoy, and remember: its not dating, its fieldwork!
Such a tease! I was ready to sound the alarm! Can’t wait to hear more about the class!
Sent from my iPhone
I know, I know… I am evil
Ok, that was mean. Althought I have to say, I’m kind of glad you aren’t engaged yet because I’m getting tired of everyone I know posting about their upcoming weddings and babies. If my eyes weren’t already green they’d turn that color.
As for wearing a ring to deflect come-ons, I’ve been doing it for years and it works great most of the time. Whenever I feel like the guy is not getting the hint I’ll be very subtle about working Adam into the conversation. “blah blah blah…oh yeah my boyfriend Adam LOVES that movie, we were just watching it last night”. This works very well, although I recommend including a name because it makes things more realistic. They don’t know that Adam isn’t technically my fiance.
I hope your Valentines was fun though!! And I agree about Valentines proposals. Tacky.
Haha, yes– these are good bits of advice! Although I don’t plan on working my boyfriend’s name into conversations with my students so hopefully the ring will speak for itself. Also, judging by Facebook, it looks like Adam did pretty well in the gift department on VDay
Yeah, he’s pretty great. And I wasn’t even expecting anything. I told him not to spend $$ on valentine’s day. Surprises are so much fun.
You really had me! Ah! My heart was racing. I’m curious about the results of said experiment.
I hope your first class goes well!
Girl, you of all people should’ve known– how could I have gotten proposed to on Valentine’s Day? You and I were out drinking together, LOL! But thanks, and it was great to see you Thursday!
So… man… I was so ready to be a happy. If it wasn’t for the fact that I’m so invested in reading your blog and being nice, I’d stop reading or something
I’m sure one day it’ll be six or seven times a week that you wear a ring.
Haha, yes, I am sorry. I just couldn’t help myself
Ahem…. you could propose?
I proposed to my husband. It worked.
p.s. yes, a good social experiment is always fun.
Good for you! Although I don’t actually want to be engaged just yet. Still lots to sort out first… but I’m looking forward to the experiment!
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