Bling...I'm so hip!

Back in the day...in a galaxy far far away...long before I learned about social etiquette...my friend Tammy got engaged.  Tammy is 11 years older than me we grew up next door to each other....out in the boonies of Ohio.  During her engagement it never occurred to me to 'ask to see THE ring.'  Thankfully Tammy was not in any way offended by this seeing as it probably would have never occurred to her to ask to examine another woman's jewelry.  Flash forward 10 years later when I got engaged everyone asked to see my ring.  In fact the first person who was told face to face demanded to see my ring.  I was totally unprepared for this.  I didn't really care much about other women's jewelry and I couldn't (and still can't) understand that.  I guess maybe its a representation of status or how much my husband loves me?  Regardless I've never been interested in other women's jewelry.  I used to work with a woman who had a HUGE gorgeous ring and it was very much a statement of her style and personality.  It very much represented who she was as jewelry should be.  I never asked to examine her ring either.  

Am I too anti-social that I'm confused by this practice?  About three years ago one of my friends got engaged and we were all at a wedding shower for another friend (I know I'm a great story teller...I'm working on it)  Anyway we were all standing around and everyone was asking to see every ones rings?  One of my friends with her wicked sense of proper conduct and conversation was just gushing over the ring and because I know her well enough to know she didn't give a hoot...well it just made the situation that much more sarcastic, evil and funny.  My point cause I never can make it subtlety is that she at least knew she was supposed to ask about the ring and gush over the thought of engagement.  Can't I just be happy for someone who's getting married without projecting with no real passion behind my words an overwhelming lust for her jewelry?

My ring is very personal.  Dave gave it to me.  It really has nothing to do with anyone else.  It's a physical representation of our intent to marry.  We didn't get it so that I could show it off it was mostly to keep you know...the hoards of men away from me.  Who am I kidding I barely wear mascara!  Anyway!  I find this practice very odd.  

The whole reason I'm thinking about this is because I was out last night with a friend who was recently engaged and the entire evening it didn't occur to me to ask to see her ring.  I hope I didn't hurt her feelings.  I care that she's engaged I think its wonderful; marriage is a huge very important step in a couples life.  But at least to me its a very personal step which unless I'm asked to be included in really is none of my business.