A lot of you ladies have discussed the importance of a worthy engagement ring. Men proposing without a proper ring show cheap behavior and disrespect and therefore should be avoided. Both my mom and me however had a different experience which I want to share with you ladies and discuss if this is common LVM behavior.

I was in a relationship with a covert narcissist NVM. I was his forever gf for 5 years with no commitment from his side. Given our young age I was not too worried about getting married but even after moving in together I did not get any commitment from him aka a proposal. However what I did have was a birthday present with a ring that looked suspiciously like an engagement or wedding ring. I loved the ring since it had my favorite style (plain silver with ruby). I don't like huge or flashy rings so this one was perfect for me. I did not put a lot of thought into it but he had me locked down wearing a ring that shows I'm "taken" with no serious intention from him to actually take the next step into the relationship. Luckily managed to get out of this after 5 years and move on.

My mom had a similar experience. Her NVM ex moved in with her directly after moving out from his (ex-?)wife. He didn't even proceed the legal process of divorce bc he couldn't be bothered. He contributed 50/50 financially while contributing 0 to housework and leeched off of her energy while actually being a horrible human being. He also never planned on marrying her (he was still legally married to his ex wife) but he gave her a pretty golden ring with several beautiful gems that she loved to wear. Trapped as his bangmaid with a ring showing her relationship status to the world while having zero legal commitment.

Luckily both my mom left our pickmeisha days behind and got rid of these NVM. I feel like presenting you a ring that signals "this lady is mine" to the world while giving zero real commitment to her is another manipulation tactic more ladies should be aware of.

Do any of you share similar stories?