I removed that other response because it wasn't constructive, but I guess you saw it and wanted to engage. Ok... Nobody in my life proposed with a "decently ex

I removed that other response because it wasn't constructive, but I guess you saw it and wanted to engage. Ok... Nobody in my life proposed with a "decently expensive" ring as far as I know, people here (UK) don't routinely do that to the same extent americans do, and showing off huge rocks socially would generally be considered gauche. Further, nobody is going to admit regretting such a purchase anyway due to post-purchase rationalisation. Not even to themselves. The more expensibe something is, the stronger this effect. Your idea that you, as a man, could leave post-childbirth and the woman couldn't is also rooted in gendered assumptions. And a diamond changes none of it anyway, losing half of its value at least from the moment you buy it, it's hardly an insurance policy. I also can't imagine being with someone to whom the idea of "burden of proof" in a relationship would be meaningful. People don't get criticised for wasting their lives in front of the tv? Which world do you live in? I've been working in and around finance for years, never noticed women wearing huge rocks around the office. Maybe it's an American thing. To me, you got suckered by DeBeers. Glad you don't feel that way, but it looks a hell of a lot like rationalisation from here. (You bought a shiny thing for your meaningful other and she liked it! Good for you! You spend your money how you like, go for those status symbols if that's your thing. The idea that it's meaningful to spend so much on a trinket, not so much)