Committed

  Never one to follow fashion and trends I'm often a bit behind the times when it comes to all of that. That was true even when I was a younger man in my teens and early twenties. I just couldn't bring myself to sport fashions or fads I thought silly. You could say I'm more of a traditionalist. Yes, "boots are still in style for man made footwear." I have worn my hair with the same style like forever. I just don't have time to fool around with all that. My style is changing now however, thinning out you might say, soon I will sport the traditional "low riding halo" of a great grandfather. Well, at least when I take my hat off you will and that doesn't happen often in public.

  I have noticed the incidence of black wedding bands recently. It's a new trend. I googled that a bit to see what it is all about. It's just a trend and I read the marketing literature for that choice.   "black wedding bands often symbolize strength, resilience, and the everlasting bond of marriage. The band’s darkness serves as a constant reminder of the unbroken circle of love, representing the strength and depth of a couple’s commitment to each other." Celebrities like Jay Z have taken to wearing them also. Yeah, it's cool. Well nothing like Titanium to say I love you. Needless to say I still sport the traditional gold band and will never change. I never take that ring off my finger either, neither for safety or convenience. 

  Whatever ring you choose the symbolism remains the same. For me it is simply an unbroken circle. I gave you a promise, one that will go unbroken. The material it is make out of holds no symbolism to me although I understand the choice of gold. It is a precious metal. Titanium is a fairly inexpensive material but quite durable. The price of the ring holds no significance to me either. I just don't get the changing of your ring. I want the one used during the ceremony to remain in my finger as it isn't just a piece of jewelry. But I realize I'm sentimental in that fashion. Old fashioned ideas I suppose, regarding commitment. For me commitment doesn't involve changing your mind about your choice. That includes your wedding band. If it has to be replaced for some other reason that's a different thing altogether. Circumstances change. 

  "Generally, successful fads have some kind of play value, like the Frisbee, Slinky, Silly Putty, my Wall walker. They're generally inexpensive items, impulse items. They tend to be rather useless items, too. They provide a few minutes of amusement." ( Ken Hakuta ) I tend to agree with that statement and also tend to agree with this sentiment, "I believe in a kind of fidelity to your own early ideas; it's a kind of antagonism in me to prevailing fads." ( Grace Paley ) I know how she feels about that as I tend to scoff at new trends and fads. If it isn't broken, don't fix it. A good book is still the best company you can keep. Good sturdy shoes and a warm jacket can't be beat. Oh, and black coffee. 

  But isn't it a strange thing when you decide to stick with something, whatever it is. You become devoted to that and give it your full support. Then when you refuse to submit, change, or agree with others you are ostracized. The "professionals" are called in and you may be "committed." Yeah, that's what they call it when they lock you up for your own good. You're committed until you change your mind! Most of the time though they just call you nuts.