The tradition of an engagement has been centuries’ standing – or rather bending – on its knees. I have always been fond of tradition – particularly when it comes to relationships and marriage. As a hopeless romantic, I cannot help to swoon at the traditional engagement and wedding details. Typically, the man plans to get down on one knee with ring in hand, asking his significant other to marry him. In planning to propose, he has so many options with the ring, the setting, and ambiance. Even now, more couples are picking out the ring together; girlfriends are more feeling putting in their input into the ring.

After the proposal, the woman is wearing the ring and the man’s left ring finger is bare. At the wedding ceremony, it is tradition for the man to receive and wear his ring. Throughout the entire engagement there is nothing on his left ring finger signaling that he is taken for good, completely off the market to all the ladies out there.

However, the symbol of a man wearing a ring on his left ring finger is beginning to change. Do not be fooled by that ring, because it is possible now that the man may not have been to the altar yet. It is a trend that is sweeping around modern couples – the “man”gagement.

To some skeptics it may sound like there is a catch to this romantic thought. Some criticize that it is the jewelry industry’s way to make more money off of the engagement process. Others criticize that a woman may be more apt to go after what she cannot have and the idea of branding the man as taken is lost.

However, some lovers are not fooled. The romantics of the bunch argue that it is about the equality of the relationship. In the past, the engagement has always seemed to focus on the woman. This change allows for the focus to remain on the couple and the love they share. The woman is allowed to the show an equal love and commitment level towards her boyfriend as her boyfriend is traditionally allowed to show her. Couples are more open to the idea of the man also receiving a ring at the time of engagement.

For me, the verdict is still out. However, I think that it is a great idea for the modern couple. There is nothing wrong with wanting to show your love to your significant other! The “man”gagement is all about showing equality in the engagement celebration.