Family Matters

My mother always said, “When you marry a person, you also marry their family”, and she was right. Lots of people have tense relationships with their in-laws, and many stories have been told about the mother-in-law.

This week, I went to my young daughter’s school with a group of other mothers to celebrate the teacher’s wedding. On the card from all the families in the class, I wrote “Happy wedding day”, but I did not think it was the right blessing. You see, my wedding day was not a happy day at all (too much family politics), but it did not change the fact that Gal and I have been together for over 27 years and are still very much in love. In my head, a happy wedding day is no guarantee for a happy marriage and I am sad for it. I would certainly like it to be a sign for the years to come, but it is not.

I am 36, my younger brother is getting married and the whole family nags me about getting married. I’m so stressed about that wedding. I hate weddings. Everyone has something to say about me not being married. Any tips?

“I am invited to my ex-boyfriend’s wedding and I have to go. Do you have good tips to handle the situation?”

If you no longer have feelings for him - cool! Go have fun at his wedding. But I guess since you have asked the question, you do have feelings for him…

Here is a question I was asked by a writer from a famous women’s magazine, who wanted my opinion as a life coach.

My girl friend is getting married soon and I feel a bit left out. I feel she is moving on without me. What is the best way to ensure our friendship stays the same, now that we are on different life paths?