Woman wants ring to become virginity protector
Dear Amy: This is about my daughter-in-law and a family heirloom I gave to her.
My youngest son and daughter-in-law were very close with me until several years ago. I have no idea what happened between us, but they became very distant. I asked if I had done something wrong, and they didn't answer.
When my son told me they were getting engaged, I said that I would love it if they would accept the engagement ring that I received from my grandfather when I was 18. My grandfather gave me a diamond, which I put in a setting. I wore that ring for 29 years.
When they officially announced their engagement I noticed she was wearing a different ring. I asked my son why he didn't give her my ring. He said that she simply wanted her own.
Well, eight years later, I have never seen her wear it. I have asked about it a few times. My son asked me to leave it alone.
Well, Amy, this is driving me crazy and I cannot leave it alone.
My oldest son and his wife are blessed with five boys and one girl. My princess granddaughter has just turned 13, and is going to her first cotillion ball. I would love for this child's father to give the ring to her as a promise ring to stay a virgin until she gets married, when another man would put another ring on her finger.
Of course, if I ever saw my daughter-in-law wearing the ring, I wouldn't ask for it back. Can you help me ask for it back?
-- Sad Heart
Dear Sad Heart: I'm not going to pass judgment on the idea of a father giving his daughter a "promise ring" to somehow magically guarantee her virginity until another man claims her.
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