Whether you’re a man or woman, putting on and wearing a ring every day can take some getting used to. Adding a title to that ring doesn’t necessarily make wearing it any easier.
If you’re not used to wearing rings, it might feel a tad cumbersome and tough to work around. Some people have a harder time than others with wearing wedding rings, ask Prince William.
Practice Makes Perfect with Wearing Wedding Rings
The best way to really get used to wearing a wedding ring is to start small. Put the ring on for things like going out to eat with your spouse, events, or special occasions.
Start building the wedding ring into your life routine. Set a reminder to wear it for a specific amount of time to get the feel for it and then add more time weekly until you feel comfortable.
Before you know it, you’ll be sliding the ring on without thinking about it and leaving it there longer than you imagined.
Figuring Out the Issue
At first glance, it may be hard for outsiders to understand the constraints of wearing a wedding ring. To be fair, some of it may be metaphorical.
The whole insinuation about marriage is that you’re being tied down. Having to wear a ring all the time means you’re sort of tied down to that tradition. Then, it almost feels forced.
If you follow down that thought pattern, it’s easy to see how keeping the ring on might become more of a hindrance as opposed to a quiet symbol.
Before you start making yourself feel guilty about taking longer to accept the habitual wearing of the wedding ring, cut yourself some slack. Perhaps there is more than meets the eye that is keeping you from wanting to do it.
This is a good time to do a deeper dive and ask yourself what exactly is getting in the way? Below are a few reasons some people have a tough time getting used to wearing a ring.
- New to jewelry.
- The ring is noticeable, therefore, distracting.
- Psychological connections to unpleasant memories or people.
- Work is physically demanding and puts a ring or hand in jeopardy.
- Mentally difficult to accept something on the hand.
Of course, there are other reasons, but these are some of the more common ones. If none of these resonate with your situation, the best way to figure it out is to ask yourself and be honest with the answer.
Whether it’s serious or mundane, getting to know yourself better is the first step to making a change.
Getting Started with Wearing a Wedding Ring
So, once you have a better understanding of why it’s such a challenge to get used to wearing one, there are some things you can do to help. Don’t feel tied down to one solution over another.
You never know what will work for your case until you try. Ask around and do some research, someone somewhere is doing something wild that would work perfectly for you.
We’ve collected a few options to get you started on your ring-wearing journey.
Try a Substitute
If you’re new to jewelry, don’t like the feel of heavier metal or stone on your finger, or have a job that makes it tough to have precious material on your hand, you’re in luck! We’re fortunate enough to live in a time where technology gives us options.
There are many ring alternatives out and about these days. One of the most popular examples would be silicone rings.
They are about the size of a regular wedding band but are extremely flexible and practically weightless. Silicone bands also come in a plethora of color combinations and designs.
That’s just one example, but there are many others.
Forever Ink
If you’re completely committed to your partner but would rather find another way to show your loyalty without wearing a ring all the time, consider a tattoo. Whether it’s of a ring, initials, or a design on the ring finger, there’s no more permanent way of showing you’re attached.
This might be especially helpful if your partner is worried others will consider a lack of a ring as a sign of a breakup or that you’re open for business.
You can still work up to wearing your ring full time with a tattoo, but you won’t have to worry if you never do.
A Sign for Help
Sometimes, it just takes the tiniest detail to make us realize that there might be something deeper we’re hiding. If you’re having a particularly negative response to wearing a wedding ring, it might be time to speak with a professional.
While it is normal to have jitters walking down the aisle or feel weird about this hunk of jewelry on your finger, it may be entirely more to feel nauseated by the ring.
This might not even be something you’ve put thought into previously, it might even come as a surprise to you that you feel this way at all. Whether you have an idea of what’s going on or are clueless, having someone to help you process these feelings could make all the difference.
Every Little Bit is Progress
Between doing the build-up exercises and working with alternatives, you have some solid options to get you used to wearing a wedding ring. You might need to try a few different methods until one feels right.
But even if you are wearing a fake ring now, you can eventually get back to the real thing full time. If it still doesn’t feel right, perhaps it’s time to leave it off for a while.
FAQs
- How long does it take to get used to wearing a wedding ring?
If you’re a habitual jewel-wearing newbie, it takes most people about a month or so to get fully comfortable and used to daily wear. It’s still advised to take off the ring for showering, bathing, or when you’re swimming. Water has a way of loosening off jewelry and before you know it, the piece is gone. Just ask Kim Kardashian. - Should I force myself to wear a wedding ring?
No. Not only is that a detriment to your mental health, but you’ll eventually start resenting the ring and perhaps your marriage altogether. Only wear the ring if it feels right. - What do I tell my partner if wearing a ring makes me uncomfortable?
If you wear a ring, it’s natural to want your partner to share that symbolism with others as well. Not wearing a ring has societal connotations of cheating. Just sit them down and explain why you want to pass on it in an open and honest way.