Parents Need To Stop Making Their Own Kids' Weddings All About Them
Something I hear far too often as a girl with a lot of friends who are getting married, is that their parents have a hard time remembering that this "day" is NOT their day. We had a caller on Sunday night's episode of The Other Line who was dealing with this exact dilemma; her mom and dad got divorced 20 years ago after her dad cheated with her best friend, he ended up marrying the mistress, and her mom is still so salty that she doesn't want to include them in all of the wedding celebrations. She's going as far as refusing to invite the "step mom" and her daughter to the bridal shower, despite the fact that the daughter is IN the wedding party.
How is it that mothers/parents can be so obtuse as to not realize how selfish they're being when they make demands like this? Sure, I understand you hate your cheating ex husband. I definitely understand how much it sucks that he married his mistress who also happens to be your ex best friend. I also VERY MUCH appreciate holding a grudge for 20 years. But to now put this pressure on your own kid, involving her in your personal insecurities and drama, pitching her against her own father? QUIT IT. Stop!!! You don't want him in your life? TOUGH! You had a kid with him! That's the cost of doing business. You can hate him 364 days of the year, but you can't hate him on your kid's wedding day, an occasion they have every right to celebrate alongside everyone else. The real barometer here is the Bride/daughter in question; she WANTS them to be there! They've been, whether you like it or not, an important part of her life. She wants her own father to walk her down the aisle - not a tall request! Putting your pride aside seems to be an enormous hurdle a lot of parents just cannot conquer. Just because you gave birth to someone, doesn't mean you can control their lives; especially when they're entering a new, VERY ADULT chapter. It's time to take a look in the mirror and get over yourself.
The Other Line is off and swinging with two episodes in the bank - you can watch reruns and On Demand on SLING TV, and watch/call in LIVE on Sunday nights at 8pm.