LMFAO I DIED AT THIS COMMENT!!! TROLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

That does suck. People should put it into perspective. He put it info that box for a reason and that was to make you have a certain expectation. It's ok to be disappointed by a dick move on his part. It doesn't make you materialistic because you got your hopes up. Sorry OP. :(. It wasn't in front of people at the party was it?

Thankfully not. I would have been so embarrassed! I mean he made it seem like an important gift too. What was I supposed to expect? He lead me up to believe it was something nice. I NEVER ask for anything. I told him he didn't have to get me anything, all I wanted was to be with him. Yet he did that. Just surprised me. I wanted to clear it up, I'm not a bitch. He just lead me to believe it was a promise ring. That is all.

couldn't you cover it in some kind of varnish or something and still wear it as jewellery?

If I were you I would be pissed. You should not let him to get away with it. I would get him same way for his birthday: big box of something he really wants (e.g. computer) and inside would be just picture. Then you could see how much sense of humor he has.

OP: Seriously, you shouldn't have given him a promise ring. Studies show that promise rings actually don't progress into a proposal (ESP if the girl gave it). Now, he is just toying with you. If he starts being disrespectful, leave him. Also, up your standards. Every gf deserves presents on their bday even if it's not expensive. 'just being with him' shouldn't be enough. You do special things for him and he should do the same. Us girls deserve better. I hate that girls settle for guys 'just being there' while they bend over backwards for their bfs. I'm sure you spent a lot of time and money on that promise ring, right?

Yes. I also made his a scrap book of our first two years together. I always do special things for him...

I hate to tell you this, but most guys don't mature. Young assholes grow up to become older assholes. "I always do special things for him..." Does he do special things for you? If not, move on. Don't expect him to change. 50% of the males on this planet are not worthy of dating any female. I have yet to meet a single guy I would introduce to my sister as a potential date.

Well, it seems someone doesn't like the male gender.

Stop looking in the wrong places then. It's not just us males that are the problem. A respectful man deserves a respectful girl. Not saying op isn't that but you generalize all men into the same stereotype which is just what it is. A stereotype.

Maybe that's all he could afford

I never require him to give me anything. He made me believe I was getting something nice and it disappointed me a bit.

That was more directed towards all the people calling him cheap and saying to break up with him. Glad to hear you are not one of those girls, op!

Yeah, I'm not going to break up with him because he wasn't thinking. I can see how it would be funny in his eyes, but to me it was mean.