I still wear mine, even though my W took hers off nearly 7 months ago. I view it as a symbol of the covenant I made not only with my W but also with God.
I told my W that I still believe in M, and that I don't believe in D. For me to take my ring off now, prior to an actual D, would send a signal to her that I no longer have these convictions, which would be an inconsistency that would only solidify her low opinion of my integrity.
The other reason, and this goes right along with the above sentiments, is that removing the ring sends a signal to everyone including my W that I am now available to others -- when I am just not. Until a D becomes final, it is not so. Not for me, anyways.
Believe me, there are times when I am soooo frustrated and feel so much despair that I want to rip the ring off my finger and toss it a million miles away -- but then I always remember my other reason: my commitment is to my family, my S's, as well as to my W. This ring symbolizes that. What would I say to my children some day?
