DEAR ABBY: Tell "Frustrated in New Jersey" that she shouldn't have to "swallow" anything.
Here's how I handled the bridesmaid thing with a bride-to-be who gave the ring back to her fiance three times.
With these bad vibes in mind, I asked the bride to sign an agreement, with a post-dated (the date of the wedding) check so if the wedding didn't take place, I could cash the check (for the dress only -- $180) and she would get the dress. She agreed.
Yes, she did marry the groom and I returned her check.
I did this because I already own two dresses, two purses and two pairs of shoes (never worn) costing a grand total of $530.
This time, I covered my bases. -- TAMPA BRIDESMAID