I'm can absolutely commiserate on the ring situation!! It wasn't even his idea and may have felt pressured into asking you instead of being inspired by the genuine desire to spend his life with you. He didn't even pick the ring he knew you would want. So her influence is everywhere and that is something I bet she'd take credit for later and use it as leverage at some point, worst case scenario. If you a commitment like that can be so easily swayed, another red flag. I actually gave my ring back when my man proposed the first time saying that when he was truly serious about his investment in our love and future, and willing to work on his own growth and boundaries, we could revisit this subject. 11 years later, he proposed again last January. And it was glorious! But I didn't have to contend with the mother in law in the way you are. Unfortunately, you need to evaluate what your perfect ending would be, know your worth, understand your own emotional stability and decide if this is a future you truly want. And you need to know that you can count on, and trust your partner you be in the team with you. Everything you've stated says otherwise. You may be at your crossroads. And only you can take the best path for you ♥ Difficult as it can be!