If you’ve been to a religious wedding before, the phrase ‘I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion’ sounds familiar—it often features in many tear-jerking vows. But what becomes of this symbolism when rings are not worn anymore?

More and more married people are not wearing their wedding bands, and unfortunately, many take it as a sign of ‘trouble in paradise’, however, reasons to not wear one’s ring vary and below are some of them:

Weight loss/gain

One of the most common reasons to stop wearing wedding rings is weight loss/gain. One’s weight changes often and that determines how well the ring fits, thus warranting its removal the moment it becomes too loose or too tight.

Jobs that aren’t appropriate for jewellery

If you’re working in construction, food processing, as a masseuse, or a surgeon, your job environment most likely isn’t suitable for jewellery, especially rings, because it could very easily harm you or your clients physically.

Allergies

In some instances the decision not to wear a ring or any other jewellery whatsoever is a result of a metal allergy, and if jewellery is harmful to one’s health, its reason enough to never wear it.

Spousal disconnect

Married couples, men and women alike, tend to wear their rings a lot less when in conflict, especially if they’re contemplating whether or not to stay in the marriage. Women that attach memories to physical objects will prefer to take them off when in contempt, often preceded by a disregard of the vows.

For couples that attach symbolism to wedding bands, their removal mostly likely means the relationship is in uncharted waters, approaching its end.

Not a fan of rings

Rings may not be everyone’s bling of choice, and for some it becomes an accessory whose purpose is served fully at the wedding ceremony and shortly after, thus the choice to remove it comes simply from not liking rings. However, that doesn’t take away from the authenticity of the union. Misplacement of rings several times also contributes to disliking them entirely.

Promiscuity

For people who step out of their marriage every so often, the ring can be a turn off or a trigger of guilt, especially in the beginning. Sometimes they disclose that they are married but the majority don’t, and wearing a wedding band while pursuing these endeavours may not be ideal for the ones that do not disclose their relationship status.

Tattoos are better

One would argue that it’s easy to lose a ring, they’re easily displaceable, but losing something imprinted onto your skin is impossible, which is why some people would prefer matching tattoos symbolic to their relationship to rings, because they have some sense of permanence to them.