[kriro]

He proposes that diamonds are an essential part in the mating ritual and then goes on to say they are not an investment? As silly as it is if the dumb ring helps you convince your future wife she should be your future wife I'm going to go ahead and say that it is actually a wise investment.

I don't see peacocks wandering around saying "feathers are bullshit"

Subjective theory of value...etc.

[jkestner]

True - perhaps it's wrens think those feathers are bullshit. I wouldn't have picked my wife if she had been the type to want a 2-months-salary ring. (My time and attention were more valuable.) But we're not peacocks.

[aalvarado]

I think he's trying to say that, "Don't feel bad about not buying a diamond, the only possible value is to convince the other person to marry you in the presumption that you can afford such bullshit and your partner is a bit shallow and might not care about how the household finance works nor willing to participate, otherwise your partner would advise you to better spend it on what matters. Beer"

[Loque]

And/or that you need to demonstrate your feelings for someone else through an object that has inflated worth...

[nosuchthing]

Healthy relationships have a multitude of ways to communicate feelings and connectivity. If a shiney finger stone seems to be required to prove something, that should be some self reflection on the relationship.

[DanBC]

If you feel the meed to deny your partner something that brings them joy, even though you think it's bullshit -- that should make you think twice about the relationship.

The desire to control your partner that is displayed by many people in these diamond threads is a really unpleasant character flaw.

[Joeboy]

> The desire to control your partner ... is a really unpleasant character flaw.

Isn't that a good reason to steer clear of anybody who insists on being bought diamonds?

Edit: Unless you like buying diamonds, or have so much money it doesn't matter.

[graedus]

That seems an unfair way to frame it: there is an important distinction between actively seeking to deny someone something, and being hesitant to spend a considerable chunk of your resources on it.

[nosuchthing]

The justification of heroin/meth/alcohol addicts would be in the same boat.

It's not about "control", it's about human relationships and value.

[aalvarado]

peacocks can't talk. :D