Q. My mom and two sisters are determined to throw me the shower to end all showers--I mean, we're talking a banquet hall rental, caterers, and even a cheesy band.
I have tried to tell them that I do not want this--at all!--or anything like it, but they refuse to listen. What do I do?
A. You may be stuck, unfortunately. We don't know your family, but sometimes people just won't take "no" for an answer. It sounds like your mom and sisters may fall into this group.
Are you objecting to the bigness/expense of the shower? The locale? The very fact of the shower itself? Depending on what your main issues are, you may be able to talk them down from the most objectionable aspects--a different venue, a smaller guest list, etc.--and still keep everyone happy. If your main problem is presents, you may be able to turn the shower into a no-gifts party. Or, if the ladies really can't be reasoned with, you may just have to take your lumps, cheesy band and all. You might even have fun in spite of yourself.
Again, we don't know your family, but tact is key here. Be sure to emphasize how much you appreciate the time and energy they've spent on this undertaking, and how fabulous it all sounds. And then gently start to wear them down.
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