Promise rings?

Hey! My boyfriend and I have been together for almost 8 months. For our 5 months he got me a promise ring, and I recently got one for him. It came in yesterday and he all of the sudden panicked...he says he still promises he wants to be with me and marry me within the next few years but he doesn't want to wear the ring. He said especially not in front of his family. I was a little hurt but I'm trying to be understanding..what do I do?