Cousins' weddings never come at a good time. They are never at a convenient location. You don't want to buy something new to wear. You would rather not have your picture taken until you lose that weight or grow out that haircut. You have unpleasant memories of having to sit with the cousin at the children's table when he or she was young and annoying or when you were. The menu does not include whatever your special diet requires. Everyone there will ask you when you are getting married or, if you are married, when you are having children, or, if you have children, when they are going to be potty-trained/learn some manners/get into an Ivy League school/find a job/get married/have children of their own. You'll be seated with a bunch of people you don't know. Or you'll be seated with a bunch of people you do know but do not want to talk to. And while we're at it, the bridal couple and/or their parents are acting like diva control freaks.
None of that matters. You still have to go to your cousin's wedding. Here is why.
- You may think you do not look the way you want to, but I can promise you this. You will never, ever be this young again, and years from now you will look back on these photographs and think you looked fine.
Life does not give you a choice about the sad and the scary. They seek you out and track you down. Happy occasions hide behind the illusion that there will be a better time and another chance. But there will never be another moment to share this experience with these people. The joyful moments will not be there unless you grab them. Get past the inconvenience and frustration and cheer on the two people who want their families around them as they take this step. Wish them well. Make some memories. Meet new people and see the ones you thought you knew in a different light. And remember, when it's your turn, invite your cousins. It will mean a lot to them to be there.
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