When did this claim on the left ring finger begin? Who awarded adornment exclusivity to the married set? I don’t know about you, but I like to wear my rings on every finger.
Inception
The ring finger has been protected real estate for a very long time. When you decorate it, you are symbolizing a commitment to a sanctified union and the validation that you have a partner for life.
For some reason, I’ve never been down with the idea that I should reserve my left ring finger for marriage. I always thought it was a little silly that I needed to wait for a proposal to arrive to decorate it.
Property Values
I was also very uncomfortable with the idea that marriage and a ring signified “ownership”. Depending upon your particular situation, that ring could be either a source of pride or an albatross around your neck. Fingers crossed.
Validation
When I was younger, an adorned ring finger also symbolized validation, and that’s something that I really thought I needed. As I got older, I realized that validation comes from within and that no single piece of jewelry determines your worth. When I was able to reconcile these truths in my mind, I realized that I could do anything I wanted. I could wear my rings anywhere I pleased.
But Wait…
Why don’t we put a ring on it ourselves? Why do we need to wait to cross the marital finish line to adorn a finger that belongs to us? It’s almost as if we need permission, which is absolute nonsense.
Many people ask why I would feel the need to do it, and my response will always be why not? I’ve had people tell me that if I wear a ring on that finger while I’m single, guys won’t bother approaching me. I say that if he’s single and I’m interested, it won’t matter. Alternatively, he could also realize that he’s dealing with a fierce female who makes her own rules.
That being said, I am no longer holding space for hypothetical situations. I operate in the present, and right now, I’m wearing rings on every finger.
The New Standard
Independence
Wearing a ring on your left ring finger as a single woman is a sign of confidence and fierceness. It is also a sign of self-love. You are making a conscious choice to take matters into your own hands vs. waiting for permission. A woman with enough guts to decorate this finger and keep the guys guessing should be celebrated!
Status Quo Breaker
You can create the rules. It doesn’t matter that society believes it shouldn’t happen. Be the outlier and continue to live your best life. You can actually pick and choose which social constructs work for you.
This leads me to…
The Opt-Out
Wear your jewelry whenever and wherever you want.
I love wearing my left-hand ring. It reminds me that I’m leaning into my choices and not letting anyone or anything define me.
If you are single, go ahead and dare to do it differently. Head down to the jewelry store solo, and put a ring on it!
If you have a moment, check out my previous post “Waiting For Permission…An Unconventional Life.”
https://herpicketfence.com/waiting-for-permission-an-unconventional-life/
