DEAR ABBY: My best friend, "Millie," is being married for the second time. She has asked me to be her maid of honor again and is planning a wedding even bigger than the first.
I am happy for Millie, but since her first wedding, my situation has changed dramatically. My husband was laid off, and I am now the primary breadwinner for our family of five. We are having a hard time making ends meet.
I cannot afford the financial burden of being in Millie's wedding. I don't want her to think I'm making excuses. She has always been there for me. I feel so guilty. What should I say to my friend? -- TORN IN TEXAS
DEAR TORN: Tell her exactly what you have told me. If she is, indeed, your best friend, she will understand. There is no reason to feel "guilty." Your husband was laid off because of the bad economy -- and consequently, your priorities have had to change. That may not be good news for your friend, but it's reality, and your family is not the only one that has experienced this.