DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’m engaged and have a larger-than-average diamond. There have been several awkward encounters where people want to know the specs of my stone: In particular, they ask, “Is it a lab stone?” I just don’t feel comfortable answering this. So many people judge you negatively for whatever answer you give.
If you say yes, you’ve got a “fake” diamond and are a cheapskate. If you say no, then they ask why you spent so much. There’s no winning! I just don’t want people prying into my financial decisions! How do I sidestep the awkward question altogether? GENTLE READER: “I have no idea.
I’m a bride, not a jeweler. I’m glad you like it.” DEAR MISS MANNERS: I spent more than 50 years with the most beautiful, wonderful woman I have ever known.
She passed away about 18 months ago. I wear my wedding ring and plan to continue to do so. Several women have suggested I wear it on my right hand or not wear it at all -- usually adding that it’s time I started dating.
I have no desire to do so. How long is it appropriate to wear a wedding ring after a spouse dies? And do you have a suggestion for how I could respond to these comments? I don’t wish to sound rude. GENTLE READER: Those must be the same women who keep telling brokenhearted widows that they are no longer “entitled” to wear their wedding rings.
But oddly enough, they don’t go on to encourage the widows to date. The answer to how long bereaved spouses can wear wedding rings is: as lo.
