[prettyinpink]

My boyfriend and I have been together for 2 years. We have been living together just over one year. We plan on getting married and it will be a second marriage for each of us. We are in our very early 40's and each has 2 grown children who are in support of our relationship. We've looked at engagement rings and wedding bands together. Just recently my boyfriend questioned whether an engagement ring is necessary and/or appropriate since this will be our second marriage and we currently live together. My personal thoughts are that I would love to have an engagement ring from him and at least a six month engagement for planning before we get married.

However, since he's questioned the etiquette on what is proper for a second marriage, I began to think I should get a second opinion on this.

Given our situation, is it appropriate for my boyfriend to present me with an engagement ring? Shouldn't an engagement ring be something that we personally agree upon together?

From the few posts I've read with somewhat similar situations, I had the idea that it was our own personal choice. Please advise, I want everything revolving around my second and final marriage to be just right! []

[the_admin]

Since the two of you have never been married to each other before, you can treat this as if it was a first marriage. If your boyfriend wants to buy you a ring, he can do so as a surprise or the two of you can select it together. There really are very few rules when it comes to second weddings. Most of them are laid out in the pages of this website.

Good Luck and Happy Reading!

[Etiquette Now]

I completely agree. And, I am more in favor of couples choosing rings together since I believe that finances should be an issue you share as much as anything else. Besides, you know what you like and what you would want to wear. []