Ask Amy: ‘Something borrowed’ makes someone blue
Buck up. The next generous act for you to commit would be to recognize that this is not personal.
Dear Amy: My sister is getting married in November.
She invited me to the wedding, but I don't really want to go because I cannot stand her fiancé's family.
His parents and grandparents are loud, obnoxious, rude, and use racial slurs, especially when drinking.
I don't think I could stand being at a wedding reception with them there.
Is it OK if I tell the couple I will attend their ceremony, but not the reception?
I am worried that my sister and my parents will get upset with me for snubbing the reception, but my peace of mind is more important to me than my sister's desires.
I want as little contact as possible with them. If they try to pressure me to attend, should I be honest and tell the couple the true reason why?
– Worried
Dear Worried: It is not rude to go to a wedding ceremony but skip the reception, but you should notify the marrying couple beforehand so they can rearrange their seating. However, because you are a sibling of the bride, your absence would definitely be noticed, and an explanation would be expected.
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