V21 N4

2/5: Fins’ Sunday Social Benefitting Cape May Stage
The Answer Lady
Wise answers to perplexing questions
Camille Peruto
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALEKSEY MORYAKOV
Ayeshah Dickerson, Chris DuBois
Noelle, Christian
The Answer Lady invites inquiries from
gentle readers on all manner of relationship
quandaries, matters of the
heart and ethics. If you’d like to send
a query, write to info@exitzero.us. Or,
simply sit back, enjoy a cup of coffee and contemplate
the wisdom herein.
Dear Answer Lady
My fiancé and I have been friends with
another couple for years. In fact, “Fred” and
“Mary” introduced us by arranging a blind/
double date. We want Fred to be the best man
and Mary my maid of honor. The problem
is that Fred and Mary split up in January.
Now Mary refuses to be my maid of honor
or even attend the wedding. Isn’t this totally
unreasonable? It has put me in the worst
position because I must now choose between
my two sisters which I was trying to avoid in
the first place. What can I say to make her suck
it up for one day? — Irked Bride
Dear Bridezilla
Just for one moment, think about your
friend, her feelings and her discomfort at
walking up the aisle opposite the person
she thought would still be her husband. The
Answer Lady suggests the one to “suck it up for
one day” is you. Flip a coin, pick a sister, and
focus on your beautiful day. Why would you
want to introduce such negative energy and
into your universe? Now pop over to Red Oak
and treat your bridesmaids and the maid of
honor to something special for their efforts in
making your day special.
Dear Answer Lady
I’ve avoided contact with my mother
for over a year. I find her toxic, critical, and
a bloody boor to be around. I’ve been able to
sidestep her Sunday brunches using work
as an excuse. However, my work schedule is
changing for the next two months making me
all too available. Unfortunately, my siblings
are aware and are pressuring me to “get along
for an afternoon,” because “she is old and may
not be with us much longer.” I say I’ve done
my bit. She also torments me by lavishing
attention on my brother and older sister. It is
hard to sit through. — Prodigal Daughter
Dear Prodigal
Take care of yourself. Make yourself scarce
on Sundays. There are plenty of things to
occupy you — the Nature Center of Cape May
and the Bird Observatory have great activities
which will educate and make you feel good. As
a solution, invite your mother to the Blue Pig
for brunch away from other family members.
It may go better without the “competition”
hovering, vying for her attention.
Lisa and John Boecker
Loo, Joyce
Chris, Rose
Jane, Bill
Tom and Shelly Richards
Amber, Mason
Aaron, Dusty
Page 44 EXIT ZERO March 2, 2023 March 2, 2023 EXIT ZERO Page 45