Dearest,

I love rings and used to wear silver ones when I was in college. Nothing chunky or funky, just slim bands with simple, delicate designs. I'd wear one on each hand, I think, on the third or fourth finger, depending on the design.

But, eventually, I took off my rings — partly because they became tarnished — and stopped wearing any. And then I decided that I wouldn't wear a ring again until the day you give me one.

Since then, whenever I pass by a tray of rings, I throw them wistful looks, but have not bought any for myself.

Recently, however, I met up with Lady Snoflek for dinner, and noticed the plain, silvery ring on her hand. I asked her about it because it was too large for her dainty finger. She took it off, showing me her name and a date engraved inside.

That's the date of her 21st birthday, when she first got the ring. The ring is, to her, a symbol of her commitment to her future husband. When she marries him one day, she'll be giving it to him — that's why she'd bought a larger size; she's afraid it might not fit even on his little finger!

I thought that was a lovely idea. I'm getting a ring too, and I'll be engraving it with the date 'January 2, 1995', the first time I committed myself to you and asked God to guard my heart for you. I'll wear the ring on the fourth finger of my left hand, because I think it's symbollic that I'll be taking it off only to replace it with one that you give me instead. I'm waiting for that day.

With much love,
ping

Dearest,

Guess what? There are men who are out there waiting for their soulmate:

All I know is nothing can stop me from finding [my soulmate]. I will spend every last penny, endure any social ridicule, exhaust every option, use every means to find her.

I yearn to tell her that I am alive and have not lost faith in true love. That I have not abandoned my search for her.

For example, one of the things he said when asked about his criteria for a soulmate was, "She does not use religion as a psychological crutch because she can handle any stressful situation or achieve her dreams by herself." — I guess I couldn't be a candidate, then, coz I admit I truly do need God. I don't know what I'd do without Him :)

This guy adds, "She loves God because she thinks religion is a great investment and is thankful to God for her blessings." Wait a minute... "She loves God because she thinks religion is a great investment"??!? Is it all about getting blessings, then?!? Aiyoyo...

All the romantic-ness in the world cannot make up for the lack of a heart that's passionately in love with God and sold-out for Him. But I'm just believing God that you will have both attributes, although if I had to choose, I'd choose the latter over the former. Goes without saying, doesn't it? ;)

Dearest,

It came to me the other day that waiting for you is probably the greatest lesson in delayed gratification I've ever had. I, who have always been horribly self-indulgent when it comes to the things I want!

I find it really hard to deny myself; everything I want, I want NOW. So I buy it, often making unwise decisions and spending recklessly. Making the choice to wait for you is like breaking the habits of a lifetime. I find that hilarious -- and rather ironic!

Perhaps there's hope for me after all :)

I'm constantly trying to improve my money management. I was getting better -- had actually managed to accummulate a little savings and reduce my debts -- and then, wham, I went crazy and maxed out my credit card again. I'm worried that in future my spending habits might become an issue between us and cause friction in our relationship.

Because of that, I really really want to work at this. I've always prayed that you would be good at managing money, since I'm so hopeless at it, but I know I wouldn't like you to keep checking up on me or put me on a tight budget or berate me for buying stuff I don't really need. I don't think this is a trait you want in a helpmeet, either.

So I'm starting over for what seems like the millionth time. With God's help, I'll change and at least become a little more prudent in my spending. I hope!