When I Took My Rings Off 

I really liked my wedding and engagement rings. I liked them so much that eventually, I sold them on eBay and used to the money to go casino hopping in Atlantic City. Fun times. 

My ex presented me with my engagement ring on Christmas Day of 2003. It wasn't a surprise; I picked it out and he bought it for me. From the first day I saw it in person, I was in love with that ring. It was one of those three-stone "past-present-future" rings with three sparkly, princess shaped diamonds set in white gold. It was a perfect symbol of our relationship--at least that's what I thought at the time.

When our marriage fell apart, I had a difficult time removing those rings from my finger. When I started dating again, I eventually removed my wedding band. But I kept that three stone engagement ring on my left ring finger for several months after my ex left me.

Time passed, and I decided to wear my engagement ring on my right hand. That lasted all the way up to the point I discovered that the band had broken completely in half. What irony! Now both my marriage and my ring were broken. I was sad that the ring had cracked; I loved that ring, and I loved the meaning behind it, even if it was a lie.

I took the ring off, forever. I knew it was time to get over it, and besides, I was practically engaged to another man by that point. I sold both rings as a set on eBay, saying goodbye forever to both the marriage and the pretty diamonds.