Playing dress up

Today, I went with my future sister-in-law to a bridal shop.  It's my understanding that most women like this sort of thing- going shopping for dresses with other women.  I am clearly not most women.  I like Laurie.  I am happy she is marrying Danny.  I thought the bridesmaid dress was pretty.  I was pleased to try it on and make the purchase, in fact, but the prospect of shopping or doing wedding things is not as appealing to me as I am led to believe it should be. 

I don't go to malls.  I haven't really enjoyed them since high school.  I actually managed a good ten years of total mall avoidance until a boyfriend took me to a theater inside of a mall for a movie.  I still did no shopping while there.  If I could fulfill all of my clothing needs online, I would be fine with that, but there are just some things a lady needs to try on first. 

As for the bridal shop, it is just not my kind of place.  I looked at some of the frilly, fancy white dresses in passing, and I thought of what an absolute nightmare it would be to have to select one.  I have said for years that I would prefer to be a bride in blue jeans.  Nobody has tested that theory, and I am already steaming fast toward my forties, so there's a good chance we may not ever discover if I would be a blue jean bride or if I would cave in and wear a white dress.  No matter, though.  I am not particularly worried about the whole thing. 

I have watched some of my friends over the years make some bad decisions about marriage and children based (in part) on some misguided notion of proper timing.  Must marry before 30.  Must have children before 35.  Can't be single after a certain date on the calendar, so dance with the one who brung you. 

I think Danny and Laurie are motivated by the right things.  They want a life together, and they are a great couple.  She fits into the family very well.  She is good to him and good for him.  I had a fiancée in my twenties, and it wasn't like that.  When I left, it turned out to be one of the better decisions I have made.  I turned 30 as a single woman, and I will turn 40 with a bare ring finger and no regrets. 

As for today, I bought a very nice red dress that I may actually wear again after the last grain of rice is swept away and the happy couple is on their honeymoon.  I don't even care what she asks me to wear or how she may wish for me to style my hair, I am just glad that Laurie is so happy with Dan and he with her.  I'll wear whatever she wants me to if she keeps making my brother happy.