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When is it OK to take off your wedding band?
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updated 11/7/2011 1:43:11 PM ET 2011-11-07T18:43:11

Is there ever a reason to take off your wedding band? For Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, the answer is no.

In a recent New York Times article, Fitzpatrick discussed why he wears his ring while playing – even though he may be risking injury doing so out on the field.

“I haven’t seen a reason to take it off, I guess,” he said. “It stands for something. It’s not like I’m trying to throw a message in anybody’s face. It’s just a personal thing between me and my wife. It’s important for me not to take it off.”

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While wedding rings have been a tradition for women for thousands of years, it really didn’t become common practice for men until World War II, at least in the U.S. Deciding whether to keep the wedding band on at all times can be a really dilemma for athletes, doctors (especially surgeons), and others who work with their hands.  Even the world’s most famous groom doesn’t rock his wedding band, due to his “personal preference” not to wear jewelry.

If you are married, do you wear your wedding band at all times? Take our poll below, and tell us why or why not. We’ll update this story with some reader comments!

© 2012 MSNBC Interactive.  Reprints

Vote: Do you wear your wedding band at all times?

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