After six and and a half minutes of arguing with a stranger in a Dunkin’ Donuts’ serving line, I decided to marry my feisty new adversary. Her talents include arguing with strangers and loving donuts. It was a match made in a discount donut franchise dining area. Yep, magic. So we left there, I bought her a ring, and then I discovered she totally sucked as company. I dropped her off at Nails By Soft Daryl for a manicure and never picked her up. She still has the ring. Can I get it back? Or send her a bill she must pay?
-Lester
Jeff: How long has it been? Maybe you could still return to Soft Daryl’s place and pick her up. You’d have a much better chance of retrieving the ring if you didn’t abandon her at a nail appointment. However, don’t let this mess up your Dunkin’ Donuts’ game.
Colette: Lester, I agree with Jeff. Go back to Soft Daryl’s. If you cannot find her, the fate of the ring depends upon where you live.
In some jurisdictions, you are SOL because an engagement ring is seen as a no-strings-attached gift. It is hers to keep even if no wedding ever takes place.
In other jurisdictions, the ring is viewed as a conditional gift. Because you did not get married, you may have the right to get the ring back. However, if the court looks at who is at fault in this situation, you may be out the cost of the ring because you abandoned your lady-friend at the nail salon. Of course, you could argue that she committed fraud by being a charming adversary at the donut shop before showing her true colors in the car.
Since I’m not sure where you live, I will advise you to check your local gift laws and consider calling this lady to apologize. Maybe she will take pity on you and give you the ring back. Whatever you do, do not send her a bill unless you want to end up on dontdatehimgirl.com.
Next time, don’t be so hasty.
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