The Bridesmaid Debacle

We were college friends, not super close, so I was surprised when she asked me to be a bridesmaid. I agreed, thinking it’d be fun. It wasn’t. She treated us like props, demanding identical nails, lashes, and hair. As a healthcare worker, I couldn’t do long fake nails. She snapped, “Maybe you’re not a fit for the bridal party.” I replied, “Maybe I’m not.” Days later, she texted I was out but could attend as a guest. I’d spent over $500 on a

non-refundable dress, shoes, and alterations. I asked if I could wear the dress to the wedding. She said, “Absolutely not. No reminders of negativity.” I decided not to go. She insisted I couldn’t wear the dress elsewhere, claiming it “belonged to her wedding.” I offered to sell it to her; she refused. Done with her nonsense, I donated the dress to a charity for formal wear. I skipped the wedding, heard it was a spectacle, and learned to set boundaries. That dress found a better purpose; I found peace.