Ring Finger, Left Hand

Maybe I read the wrong stuff, but I don't see much about this principal custom of our tribe: the "I'm Married" sign that people wear, all the time.

Mostly women, I notice.  Men, not so much, and those who do have a faint aroma of Ashley Wilkes.

But women really do do it, not just a band but almost always a big-ass engagement ring along side.  And I am probably delusional, but even now, and for my whole adult life, I've think I've had it waved at me.  Usually subtly,  a re-crossing of hands.  See there, buddy boy.  I'm married, and back off.

I get it with flight attendants, who must spend their lives being hit on.  But what is it with all the rest of the babes out there?

C'mon.  I'm married too, and I'm not on the prowl.  Am I staring?  Maybe, if you are gorgeous; it's a genetic thing.  But most of you, my dear ladies, are not gorgeous.  You are, however, women.  Which to me makes you presumptively interesting to talk to.  At this age and body mass that's about all my eye contact means.

I really don't get it.  Why do women - so many of whom are so fiercely independent in all other respects - want to parade their marital status at all times?  Is it really just to fend off the creeps?

Why isn't there a movement of cool women who don't want to be Melanie Wilkes?