Much like the Oracle, HipGuide answers visitors' tough questions here.

Broken Engagement Etiquette
Q:Just like Bennifer, my engagement is off.
Am I supposed to give back the ring?

-- "Larissa in Aspen"


A:Larissa

Let me guess, he didn't read HipGuide and that drove a wedge between you two.

Okay. I can be serious....
It depends on who broke off your engagement.
And the circumstances under which it happened.

What people sometimes forget is that no matter the bitterness or sorrow that may come with a breakup, men and women alike should take the gentleman and lady-like high road.

If you broke off the impending nuptials, you should do the lady-like thing and return it.
The one exception to this rule is if you broke off your engagement because of bad behaviour on the part of your fiance. Say, if he cheated. Then you keep it.

However, if the gentleman broke it off, the ring is yours.
Sometimes gentlemen forget that an engagement ring, is first and foremost, is a gift.
It is like any other gift given. You do not ask for gifts back.
No matter the cost.

An engagement ring is a promise a man is making a woman, about their future together, and the person who breaks that promise is the one who must take the high road.

We're sorry to hear of the circumstances you're in and certain Mr Right is out there for you.

~ The QB

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