Cupid’s Come A Knockin’, Go Open The Door!

Well, it’s that time of year again.  Valentine’s Day. The terrible romantic comedies are on their way to the theaters (Reese Witherspoon being fought over by two CIA agents? Really)? And the jewelry stores ads for heart shaped pendants are in heavy rotation.  But you haven’t noticed.  Who’s watching TV? Or going to he movies? There are invitations to look at,  and flower girl dresses to order and you must keep an eye on Aunt Sue who keeps trying to invite her entire bridge club to your bachelorette spa weekend.

Pick up your head for a minute.  Valentine’s Day.  Love? Romance? The reason you’re wearing that sparkly little number on your left hand in the first place?  February 14 is a day (and a few days around it) to pay attention to your relationship rather than your wedding.  And I don’t care if the thing is next weekend, you still need to take some time, look that man in the eyes, and CONNECT.  No wedding talk allowed.  No guest lists, no groomsmen’s gifts, no nothing.

So ladies, when Cupid comes a knockin’, you open that door and let in the LOVE.

Go plan a Rockin’ Valentine’s Day!

-Dinah

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Minding our Ps, Our Qs, and Occasionally, Our Beeswax

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“Sunday Styles” is my favorite section of the New York Times. (No big mystery – that’s where all the wedding coverage is). It’s also home to the wise and fabulous Philip Galanes, writer of the ever-pithy “Social Qs” column, and now a Social Qs book. New material for the etiquette library!

I’ve used his columns as jumping off points before – like this chat about a sticky invitation situation, and so in honor of his new book, here’s a Social Q brides would be well advised to take!

R.S.V.P.? M.Y.O.B.

A friend asked why I don’t attend a weekly television-watching party at the home of a mutual acquaintance. I didn’t want to tell the truth: “I’m not invited.” I didn’t want to embarrass him or give the impression that I’m offended at being excluded. I’m not. How to reply?

Talya, Brooklyn

If your friend had thought about it for a millisecond, he might have realized there was a chance you hadn’t been asked. Note to the invited: Never assume that other folks were. You may hurt their feelings.

But that’s not the case here. So, be straightforward: “John didn’t invite me. But that’s O.K. I’m not much of a fan of ‘Toddlers (and Mascara and False Eyelashes) and Tiaras.’ ” If your pal feels a little red-faced, so be it. He may learn not to do it again.

Heed Philip’s call brides, maids, moms and friends.  With weddings turning into epic celebrations with pre-parties galore, if someone’s at the shower, it doesn’t mean she’ll be at the bachelorette, or the brunch after the wedding.  Hush up about who’ll be where lest you put your foot in your mouth.

Cheers to Philip on the new book, and here’s to all of us minding our Ps and Qs.

-Dinah