Is it acceptable not to wear a wedding ring?

Gavin83

So I hate rings. I hate the way they look and I hate the way they feel. I've made it quite clear I have no plans to wear a wedding ring but several people I've spoken to seem horrified by this idea. So, I thought I'd ask the good people of MSE. Is it acceptable to never wear a wedding ring?

1886

I've been married for five years and I stopped wearing my wedding ring after a month or two. I could'nt get used to it and I also had quite a physical job at the time so I preferred not to wear it incase I caught it also.

My wife was'nt too happy but understood.

I then tried wearing it again about 2-3 years ago and now I wear it all the time. I have a different job now and that helps too. I pretty much forget I've got it on. I'm not a huge fan of it but I like more what it stands for.

If you don't want to wear a ring then don't, its got nothing to do with anybody else. I know loads of guys that are married but don't wear a ring including one lad that does'nt even know where his wedding ring is!

New_Me

Ask your Fianc!, the only options which matter are those of the couple.

Some people have alternatives, other jewellery or even a tattoo on the finger. Whatever you are both happy with, or nothing at all. I wasn't keen on wearing a ring but I got used to it and now it feels odd to not wear it.

Nargleblast

Don't know if it is acceptable etiquette-wise, but as long as your other half has no issues with it then it is nobody else's business whether you wear a ring or not. (As long as you don't try playing silly boogers, pretending to be single when you're not, of course!)

olgadapolga

I stopped wearing my wedding ring within two weeks of my wedding - I hated wearing it, it was uncomfortable. My husband stopped wearing his at about the same time as it was a safety issue with his job.

I've never gone back to wearing my ring (20 years later). It doesn't bother me or my husband. I don't need a ring to express sentiment or commitment and if anyone else has an issue with my not wearing a ring, they would be told to mind their own business. It's between my husband and I and nothing to do with anyone else.

Newly_retired

It is relatively modern for a husband to wear a wedding ring. Men of my father's generation did not. If your job makes it unwise I am sure your wife will understand.
But it is nobody else's business.

LilElvis

My Dad has never worn one in over 50 years of marriage. Mum has only had hers off for a couple of weeks - so the ring could be resized as it was cutting off circulation to her finger. I've worn mine every day for 10 years, though I don't wear it at night or when I'm cooking/cleaning/doing anything dirty. My sister hasn't removed hers for a second in the 10 years of her marriage. I was surprised when my husband chose to wear a ring as he won't even wear a watch and his has stayed on 24/7. It's whatever feels right for the individual, physically and emotionally.

Georgiegirl256

Interesting topic. IMO it is perfectly acceptable not to wear one. I've worn mine on a handful of occassions and never wear it day to day. My parents got used to the fact I never wear it, but secretly I think my Mam wishes I would as she worries what other people might think....good news though...I don't!

I don't like jewellery, and so I don't see why I should wear one. I don't need a ring to know I'm married, and if other people make assumptions, then that's their problem.

My SIL was horrified by the fact that I don't. I really don't see why though?

DH never wears one either, although it think it's more common for a man not to wear one. My Dad never did.

maman

Very interesting question.
as OP is a man, I really don't see it as an issue. Maybe it's become a fashionable thing which might make it difficult for him in the circles he mixes with but loads of men I know don't wear them. My DH doesn't have one but he has never worn any jewellery but a watch and no tattoos either.

Would we get a different answer if it was a woman? I'd like to hear any logical reasoning.

ERICS_MUM

From a woman's viewpoint, it's easier to spot a married man if he's wearing a wedding ring, if you get my drift !

Torry_Quine

Newly_retired wrote: »

It is relatively modern for a husband to wear a wedding ring. Men of my father's generation did not. If your job makes it unwise I am sure your wife will understand.
But it is nobody else's business.

My husband wears his grandfather's wedding ring so not a recent thing at all.


As others have said it's entirely your choice although some may wonder why not.