Doormat mom finds ways to retaliate
One way to sort out your complicated feelings would be to write about them. If you start the day with a goal to fill two notebook pages with a burst of free-association writing, it might help you to express -- and then release -- some of these complicated feelings.
You should also seek the comfort and counsel of a group. Al-Anon meetings might help; your local hospice will also host grief groups for survivors. There is no magic solution, but everything you try will likely help you in small and discrete ways.
Dear Amy: "Desperate Bride" is right to remove her abusive co-worker from her wedding party.
To soften the blow and prevent further conflict, I'd suggest she offer to reimburse this woman for any costs she may have incurred from being maid of honor, which can be an expensive duty.
I'd suggest reserving the maid of honor duty only for women you've known for most of your life, if possible.
-- Experienced
Dear Experienced: Great advice!
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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: ASKAMY@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)
