DEAR ABBY: I have been dating "Whitney" for more than a year and have decided to propose. My problem is I was recently laid off from my job and don't have enough money to buy an engagement ring.
Would it be improper to ask Whitney to marry me without giving her a ring right now, or should I wait to ask her when I have the money to buy her a ring? -- STONE BROKE IN LITTLE ROCK
DEAR STONE BROKE: Tell Whitney how you feel about her, and ask her if she would like to become engaged or wait until you can give her a traditional engagement ring. You might be pleased to learn that having an engagement ring is less important to her than having you as her future husband. After all, a ring is just a symbol. The real "jewel" is the person you marry.