A mother hopes her child’s wedding will be the best day of their lives. However, Catherine’s good intentions have backfired, causing severe conflict with her prospective daughter-in-law, Zoe. The problem started with an email Catherine sent. She related her side of the tale, and we advised her on how to approach the problem.
I welcomed my son’s fiancée, Zoe, into our family because he’s in love. But she’s vulgar and beneath us-and her family’s even worse.
The wedding is big and important, and I want everyone to enjoy it. So, I emailed Zoe 3 simple guidelines.
The next day, she came and said, “If you show your face there, I won’t get married!” I wasn’t trying to offend. I simply wrote that I had some rules. My 3 rules were:
1) Guest List Restrictions: Due to past behavior, Zoe’s uncle Steve and cousin Joey are not invited. This decision was made to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
2) Limited Plus-Ones for Zoe’s Family: To keep things manageable, Zoe’s family can only bring immediate family members. Friends and distant relatives are out.
3) Reception Seating Arrangements: To avoid conflict, certain members of Zoe’s family will be seated far away from the head table and our side of the family.
I’m convinced I wasn’t out of line-I was just being a protective mother who was trying to save her son’s wedding from becoming a joke.
Am I wrong for setting these boundaries?
