Ask the Divorce Lady
What should I do with my wedding ring now that my husband has walked out on me?
Divorce stirs up many tough questions—especially about the little things that suddenly feel enormous, like your wedding ring. Should you hold onto it, sell it, or just get rid of it? I’m here to walk you through the emotional maze and practical options, so you can make the choice that’s right for you.
For me, the answer was simple: “Pawn that puppy!”
I don’t think there is any wrong answer to the question of what to do with a wedding ring when it no longer stands for the promise on which it was based. Everyone is different and has to decide what to do with the ring for themselves. For me, it was a no-brainer. What stood for a promise, a vow, to God and me now meant nothing. I don’t feel I should have saved it for my kids because it now stands for a lie. So off to the pawn shop I went.
I did a Google search and a survey to find out what people did with their rings when a marriage failed. Here is what I learned…
Many were like me and went to the pawn shop. Sadly, some of the folks who pawned their rings had to use the money to survive because their Ex left them in dire financial straits, which I have found to be sadly quite common. Some said they used the money for their kids, for food, for a tank of gas. Others who pawned their rings were able to travel. I would not have gotten very far based on the value of my ring. I was able to get a little over $100.00 for mine.
Many people redesign the ring into a divorce ring or use its value to buy a new ring.
Some folks like to throw their rings. For example, they can throw it in a field, a lake, a pond, or at him.
Some continue to cherish their rings. Some keep the ring as a keepsake for their children, and some decide to continue to wear their rings. This course of action would not fit my personality, and again, I say, “Pawn that Puppy!”
Here are a few unique ways the disavowed have decided to deal with their ring after a separation and divorce.
*One lady melted hers down and made it into a tiny gold pig. She uses this pig when playing board games.
*You can buy a wedding ring coffin.
*Someone put theirs in the collection plate at church.
*Flush it down the toilet.
*Place it in the recycle bin.
*One of the most creative and probably expensive ways one person cast aside their ring was to send it into space on a rocket. I am not sure how she pulled that off:-)
The correct answer for those deciding what to do with their wedding ring is to do what is best for you. Don’t be swayed by anyone. You need to do what is right for you. There is no wrong answer.
But for me, again, I say,
“Pawn that puppy!!”
Sincerely,
The Divorce Lady
(I would love to hear your thoughts on this post. I would also like to know what you did with your ring. Let me know in the comment box.)