Like it or not...complancency IS a reflection of how a person/couple feels about their marriage and possibly how they feel about their spouse. If he or she isn't good enough to invest in a ring and to go as far as to wear it, what's the point?
I think it is ironic so many people feel the same about their wedding rings as they do about an old broken down car, or an out-of-date outfit. For those who say it isn't a big deal, it sounds like the whole act of wearing one as a sign to your spouse of your commitment is out the window as soon as the jewlery is lost or doesn't fit. Isn't it worth it find a new one if the old one is lost or too small? Or is your spouse now no longer worth the effort?
Think about it. X number of years ago, those rings were probably the first big expense you had. For many brides planning and dreaming about their weddings, maybe more than the wedding dress, the his and her diamond ring set is the one thing the bride looks forward to giving and receiving. It's a guaranteed shot taken by the wedding photographer. Bridal magazines would be non-existent and half the jewlery chains in the malls out of business if wedding rings and the tradition, customs, pomp and circumstance around them weren't a big deal.
The engagement ring is such a big deal grooms the world over agonize over what type, saves up hours of salary to buy one, or worries whether he can manage payments if he didn't inherit his. And as is totally out of character for most men, but because he is so in love, probably spent many hours wondering `will she like it,' or his heart absolutely soars when her eyes light up when she picks out the one she likes at the store and so on.
The groom then plans to present it to her, she shows it off to friends and family, it sends a message to all suitors she's off the market-promised to someone for life. If the couple is religious, the engagement ring and wedding bands are blessed during the ceremony, and if the couple is lucky, these rings are passed on to their children or grandchildren when they have passed on. After the wedding the groom may be more a magnet to others with his ring on, but he's wearing it for YOU, and it is sending an important message to both YOU and THEM that he is commited to his marriage. It also is an important reminder to HIM to stay commited in times of temptation. Why do you think it such a big deal for most women when a man won't wear one?! Rings have deep meaning, no matter what people want to say.
While you can give your future spouse any kind of ring, and some people do, most will try to find something unique, that has meaning for the one who will be wearing it, and sometimes will spend large amounts to purchase a precious stone and precious metals to show that you're in for the long haul. I think if most grooms looked into the future the day they were paying for those rings, and saw that one day he and his bride would care less about those rings, he'd be devastated.
If you are invited to a formal party for work, or a wedding, don't you go and buy a new outfit, fix up your hair, to look your best? Don't you go out of your way to wrap a gift in pretty paper, with bow and card for birthdays? It's the effort and what it represents. It renews and reminds those around us we care, we love them, and no one else.
In response to those who claim a wedding ring is not a marriage or doesn't make a marriage, I agree. But the gesture or act of wearing does and speaks volumes! It just sounds like those who have lost theirs, gotten to big for theirs, or can't wear them because of their job or whatever have grown complacent. They've let time erase those feelings of chivalry that inspired them to romance their spouse, and happily wear their ring.
What is the big deal anyway? They aren't uncomfortable. Most bans for men are simple, and you'd forget they're on in time. Women wear rings whether it's for a wedding or not. Why not get a new one if you lost it or got too big? If you can't wear one on the job, why not put it on after you've finished your workday? It is a symbol, and important one. I feel those spouses who feel they aren't necessary are complacent. Just like getting flowers on Mother's Day or a card on Valentine's Day, these gestures aren't necessary, but they are important. Effort, symbols, and gestures of romance and love strengthen and protect a marriage. It's sad, that people don't make getting a new ring a priority as important as getting a new car, or planning the next vacation. Isn't your spouse, or your marriage worth it? Even if the ring were uncomfortable, then wearing it makes it all the better, as it would be a true sacrifice of love.
I don't buy the bull from the one poster who claims he'd wear one if his wife asked. I think he should just do it. I think alot of spouses just bite their tongue when their loved one doesn't wear a ring. Everyone knows what they symbolize, and everyone remembers their own wedding ring story(ies). Bottom line, I thnk most would admit it hurts when their spouse doesn't wear a ring, but they're probably just not saying anything.
Sorry...but rings ARE a big deal.
On a spiritual note, I like what JL suggests. Maybe if more people understood the origins and custom tied to the wedding ring, they wouldn't be so quick to abandon wearing them.