Archive: Around Town

Dear Margaret: I'm planning my wedding and have hit a snag. One of my bridesmaids, Clarice, now tells me that she won't participate in my wedding in any way, shape or form if Claudia is invited. Since college days Clarice and Claudia have been enemies, while I have been able to maintain a friendship with both women. I'm terribly hurt that Clarice has put me in this position. No matter what I decide to do, I risk losing a friend. How can I resolve this without hurting someone?
In the Middle

Dear In the Middle: You are the one that is making the choice of being in the middle of a situation which is not your battle to fight or mediate. This is your wedding and you're entitled to invite any guest that is special to you and your partner. If Clarice decides to 'take her ball and go home', she is entitled to do so. To let her decide who you can and cannot invite to your wedding is outside the boundaries of her authority. Do you ever attend a function where you find yourself in the presence of an attendee whom you find it difficult to tolerate? If so, do you act like and adult in the situation? Invite both women. Let Clarice know that Claudia is invited and that, hopefully, she will still participate. If she cannot find it in herself to attend, let her know you are disappointed, but your guest list is a decision to be made by you and your partner.

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