My partner is asking for a promise ring
Hey all, would like your opinion on this. I have been in recovery for 2 years and in my first serious relationship ever since for about a year now. My partner knows all about my past, which has helped me a lot. She has had an enormous amount of empathy for me and she is the most stable, emotionally intelligent person I know. With that said, I really feel connected to her and I see us being together in the future. However, the addiction still lingers in me and I feel like it's stopping me from a deeper commitment. I proposed to women before and when I did, I relapsed both times, I learned my cycle starts with self-sabotage. She has been clear she wants to get married at some point and before I met her I thought I would never be engaged again. She isn't asking me to propose, but I have an upcoming work trip that will keep me away for about a month and traveling to different cities. When I told her about my trip she asked me if I was willing to use a "promise" ring, which is basically a ring that I would use to be seen as "taken" or someone in a committed relationship. She told me she'd feel a lot better if I used a ring as she knows my triggers and she prefers to have something represent our commitment to each other. I understand she is nervous, but we had a fight after this as I thought she was being controlling. My sister told me when she was single she'd never approach men with rings, but that this also wouldn't stop someone from relapsing. I think my partner is anxious about my trip and the possibility of relapsing and I am too, which is what started the whole conversation. I still have thoughts that I manage and I still have that fear of self-sabotaging again. I know she isn't a controlling person, but I cannot help to feel controlled and at the same time, I think a promise ring is a good idea as it may be a symbol of my commitment. However, this brings my fear to commit to marriage back and I am struggling with what I need to do. I am seeing my therapist tomorrow, but wondering if any of you has an opinion on this. thanks!
Posted May 4, 2022, 1:55 AM UTC