How do I tell him I don't like the ring?

Q: What do you do when your fiancé gives you an engagement ring that you don't really like? I know he only wanted to find something that he thought I would love and I hate myself for even feeling this way, but I am really not wild about the style and it won't go with the style of band I wanted. I don't want to hurt his feelings. Is there any way to let him know that I don't really like the style he picked without hurting his feelings or is it inevitable?

A: Yikes! It sounds like you've found yourself in quite a predicament. I must admit that I truly believe he will feel a bit hurt regardless of how you approach this. However, I also know that you really don't feel good about looking down at a ring that you don't like every single day for the rest of time. I imagine that you'll have to tell him one way or another, but you'll have to do so very gently. Maybe start by asking him if it's ok to exchange it with a slightly different style, but let him know that if not, it's ok. Tell him you really like the ring but you pictured something different, etc. Just make sure you're very gentle and realize that if your fiancé seems rattled, you may have to settle for the ring you have now to avoid starting World War 3. I'm a firm believer in gentle honesty. Give it a try and let me know how it goes. Just make sure you're tactful... ensure you're in a room by yourselves, use a soft tone of voice, etc.