DEAR ABBY: My husband and I will celebrate our 22nd wedding anniversary on the seventh of next month. My brother was divorced after five years of marriage and is now getting remarried by a justice of the peace. His "bride" is also divorced, and this will be a second marriage for both of them. They initially planned to be married on the third of the month but changed the date to the seventh saying they couldn't find another date that worked.
Last time I checked, there were 31 days in the month. Our parents don't understand why I'm upset that my brother plans to marry on my wedding anniversary date. I feel this is my special day, one that I have earned after 22 years of marriage. My brother and his fiancee could easily pick another date. Am I being petty, or is my brother unreasonable? -- THAT'S MY DAY IN MICHIGAN
DEAR DAY: I'm glad you asked. You are making a mountain out of a molehill. You don't "own" the seventh of next month.
Rather than looking to be offended, you should be hoping that your brother and his fiancee have the same good fortune and years of happiness that you and your husband have enjoyed. Their anniversary won't impinge on yours.
The most meaningful wedding gift you could offer them would be to wish them every happiness on this special day -- for all of you -- and stop looking for drama where there isn't any. Celebrate your anniversary next month at a time that works best for you and your husband.