DEAR ABBY: Ten weeks before my wedding -- right after our wedding and bridal shower invitations were sent out -- my future father-in-law telephoned my fiance to tell him that his sister, "Courtney," no longer wanted to be in the wedding.
When I called Courtney to ask why she had changed her mind, she told me she doesn't care to ever have a relationship with me, that she doesn't want to be reminded that I'll be part of her family for the rest of her life, that she's wanted to slap me across the face quite a few times in the past five years, and that she thinks her brother could "do a lot better" than me.
My fiance told his family that Courtney would not be welcome at our wedding until she apologizes to me for the hateful things she said. His parents say that Courtney's pride is in the way, and it's not in her nature to apologize. They also informed my fiance they won't attend our wedding if Courtney isn't welcome.
Any advice? -- DISSED IN DELAWARE
DEAR DISSED: Only this: In light of her animosity toward you, Courtney does not belong at the wedding -- if only because her presence could be disruptive.
As for your fiance's parents, should they choose to skip their son's wedding in an attempt to blackmail you into having her there, it's their decision, and they'll have to live with it. This is only a sample of the way you'll be manipulated in the future if you cave in to their demand. You have my sympathy.