 
                                                                                                    10/17/2025
                                            I (27F) am getting married to Evan (29M) this fall. The setting is my aunt's backyard, decorated with string lights, serving barbecue, and accompanied by a bluegrass band for a cozy touch.
My dad (55M) has been with Janine (42F) for two years. She is pleasant but tends to turn every event into her own show, with a booming laugh and even bigger opinions.
She had already commandeered my engagement announcement, but what she did last week left a lasting impression.
Over dinner, Janine exclaimed, "SO… I ALREADY FOUND MY DRESS FOR THE WEDDING!" and proudly showed a photo on her phone.
To my astonishment, I saw a white, long, lacey, form-hugging dress with a train—a dress meant for a bride.
"Janine," I said, trying to be diplomatic, "I would appreciate it if you didn't wear attire similar to a wedding dress."
Janine disregarded my request: "OH, RELAX, SWEETIE. YOU'RE WEARING THAT SIMPLE, CASUAL DRESS, RIGHT? THIS WILL LOOK TOTALLY DIFFERENT!"
It surprised me that she already knew my dress style.
She responded, "YOUR DAD SHOWED ME THE PHOTO YOU SENT HIM! IT'S CUTE—VERY ORDINARY, VERY YOU!"
A wave of anxiety hit. The dress was custom—a cream, short lace piece inspired by my late mom.
My seamstress informed me afterward that Janine had asked for her own version, requesting it be "MORE GLAMOROUS."
Janine’s intentions were to outshine.
Without drama, I quietly revised my wedding plans.
When Janine entered in her ivory mermaid dress and saw everyone else’s attire, her cheeks turned bright red.⬇️⬇️⬇️                                        
 
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                         
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
  