TRENDING: P299 engagement ring spurs online debate over 'knowing your worth' and 'practicality' in love
Does an engagement ring that costs less mean you don't matter as much to a person?
Debate about the topic as well as how much an engagement ring should cost sparked online as an anonymous post on Hugot Ni Juan's page went viral. According to the sender's story, her longtime boyfriend popped the question with an engagement worth P299 bought from an online shopping app.
"My bf of 8 years just proposed to me. But na-giguilty ako kasi, I am upset due to the fact na the engagement ring only cost 299," the sender said, adding that she continued to question her worth because of the incident.
"Ganito lang ba kababa yung halaga ko sa kaniya na hindi man lang niya pinag-ipunan pambili ng ring? Or hindi ko ba dapat i-big deal? Am I too immature to feel this way?"
"Hindi niya alam na nakita ko yung ring binili niya sa [Shopee]. Ignore ko nalang ba 'tong fefeel ko? Or should I confront him, kaso ayoko din naman masira yung moment," the post concluded.
As of writing, the post garnered more than 3,000 reactions, 2000 comments, and over 5,000 shares, with many giving varied advice about the situation.
'Being practical' and 'putting value to things that matter'
For some users, a P299 ring is acceptable as they would rather invest in a relationship's "emotional foundations."
"Aanhin ang expensive ring kung maghihiwalay rin. Sadly this generation is not putting value to things that matter. I'd rather have 299 ring and receive priceless of love and support. No amount of ring can measure the value of true Love," a 15-year-married Facebook user said.
"For me, it depends on the situation. 'Cause if both of you maybe agreed to invest to something for your future. Then I wouldn't mind receiving a cheap ring. Just being practical," another one chided.
Another added that the authenticity of a person's commitment matters more than how much a ring is.
For one Facebook user whose opinion has also gone viral, the heartfelt promise behind a ring or gift is more important than how much it costs.
"There's nothing wrong with the amount, but putting effort into the proposal matters," he wrote.
"A ₱299 ring may make you question your value, especially if a guy can buy motor parts and treat his friends to drinks. Unless there's a heartfelt promise behind it, like that's all he can afford for now or saving up for a better ring before the wedding."
The user continued to say that if he can't afford a ring to reflect his readiness to marry someone, he'll "use the challenge as motivation" to prepare for their future.
"To all women, I'm not saying marry a rich guy. But marry someone, who has dreams, standards, and is doing their best to pursue those dreams. Kahit di pa mayaman, but may pangarap at ambisyon. To all men din, the point here is that let’s not normalize 'okay lang ganito ang importante nagmamahalan.' We should strive for more, because di tayo pinanganak to be settling for nothing. Let's grow," the comment read.
"Salute sa mga lalakeng mas namomotivate pa na ilevel up ang buhay dahil sa mga ganitong klaseng experiences," another user wrote.
'Ring reflects readiness'
On the other side of the spectrum, some users on X raised how the cost of an engagement ring is a sign of a person's financial capability.
"If he can't afford a decent engagement ring, how else can he afford a wedding?? Let alone, a family?" one X user said.
"That [P299] engagement ring is so dumb, like if you aren't financially stable enough to plan out a wedding, then don't get married," added another.
Others also said that the OP's feelings about the ring are valid and that it's okay to have high standards.
"Always remember—men with intentions of marrying a women should always give their best shot in everything. Your worth as a woman is way priceless," a netizen posted.
'Communication is the key'
To answer the sender's query, social media users also highlighted the importance of communication in the relationship.
"Better confront your boyfriend and ask the truth. Everything has a reason. By that, you'll be enlightened. Don't just conclude by having your own understanding. There is an untold story behind it. Seek for an answer that only him can give. Don't waste the years that you've shared wonderful moments by just that," a user suggested.
"Talk it out sis... Your emotion towards it is valid... Maybe he has prepared better things than an engagement ring,. Communicate," another one expressed