Relationships Talk

You don’t have to be close to her. But don’t fool yourself that you’re ready for “starting a new chapter” when you’re still willing to punish her for the past.

The point of a religious wedding ceremony is not just about the bride and groom … it’s about truly new beginnings, with vows before witnesses — family, friends, and guests — such that all are participants in the wedding covenant.

Include this sister in the bridal party among your other sisters, who’ll help deflect/avoid awkwardness between you two.

Q: Once again, my sister-in-law’s brother emailed that he’s coming for Christmas dinner. My wife and I invited him when he was single, and five years later he just assumes he’s invited, and brings his girlfriend-of-the-month.

Last year, even his sister hadn’t met her until they arrived, bringing nothing, though he’d been asked to contribute a dessert because everyone contributes something to the meal.

The girlfriend was embarrassed when he was asked what they’d brought, loudly telling him off for not getting something. He lamely answered, that he remembered “too late.”

We’re happy to invite our own family which has us, three teenage-to-adult children and two longtime significant others, plus my wife’s brother and wife, along with their three adult children and partners and two grandkids. That’s 17 of us already.

We understand that he’s just one guy and don’t want him to be alone, but his taking the invitation for granted and coming empty-handed, rankles me.

How do we handle this without losing the goodwill we want to feel at Christmas?

Fed Up

A: Send him an email reminding him that everyone who attends contributes to this Christmas dinner. Then be specific about what he needs to bring as his offering — e.g. exactly what kind of pie for dessert. Even tell him where he can get it and when is the best time to buy it for freshness.

Since he brings his own guest, ask him to also bring a drink of their choice — if you don’t serve alcohol, then a juice. Also, if you have certain house rules — e.g. no smoking inside – remind him to tell this to his latest companion.

Ellie’s tip of the day

A wedding event’s “fresh start” attitude is more possible if old baggage isn’t carried forward and in public view.

Read Ellie Monday to Saturday.

Email ellie@thestar.ca or visit her website, ellieadvice.com.

Follow @ellieadvice.

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Wedding Without One Sister

Fed Up