DEAR NATALIE: My fiance and I are planning on getting married in September, and your advice on wedding invites last week made me think about a situation I am dealing with. My sister and fiance do not get along, and because of this, there has been a lot of tension in the family. I don't want any issues on my wedding day, so I told my mom I don't want to invite my sister. And now my mom is threatening not to come if my sister doesn't come. Not sure what I should do. Maybe it's better if they both aren't there? What do you think? -- BAD SITUATION 

DEAR BAD SITUATION: I'm sorry that your sister and fiance can't seem to find common ground. But by uninviting her, you are only going to create even more of a rift in the family, and you may regret it years later. Instead, tell your sister that you definitely want her to be a part of this special day, and that you hope that this occasion is the start of a new chapter for everyone. 

If your fiance and sister are willing to sit down (and politely) talk to each other before the day, that would be ideal. Maybe they can squash this so that everyone can move forward. If that is a bad idea, then let your sister know that while she is invited to the wedding, it is under the assumption that she can control her emotions and accept the fact that you are choosing to marry the person you love, and that for this reason alone, she needs to support you. 

DEAR NATALIE: I have a disability (I would rather not disclose the nature of it) and was wondering how to handle this when dating. Do I bring it up right when I meet someone? Do I wait and see? Does it even matter when it comes to relationships? -- ABLE TO DATE 

DEAR ABLE TO DATE: Dating is a tricky landscape to navigate, and people can be easily thrown off by the smallest issue. Because I don't know what kind of disability you have, I assume it falls into one of two categories: 1. visible disabilities or 2. invisible disabilities. If your disability is physical and visible (for example, perhaps you have mobility issues), it will be apparent to whomever is meeting you that this is the case. You will basically know right away whether this is something that they can handle. When I worked with people in the past with physical disabilities, we would talk about the difficulties in dating, and I would remind them not to take it personally if someone just can't deal. It is a blessing to know this upfront because clearly that person would not be a good partner for you. Some people are not emotionally or mentally equipped to handle others with special needs, and that has nothing to do with you. 

If your disability is invisible (for example, a mental health issue or learning disability) take it slow when you start dating. I have a good friend with an intense mental illness, and we would talk about struggles in dating all the time. He is now engaged to a lovely woman who understands him on a deep level and can weather the ups and downs with him. She chose to be there, and he chose her. It took time and built slowly, and it was a relationship based on trust, communication and honesty. So keep in mind that there are plenty of fish in the sea, and if you have an open mind and an open heart, the right person could be just around the corner. 

Natalie's Networking Tip of the Week: Being vulnerable can work to your advantage in social situations. Case in point: When I first started as the SEEN editor, I was on my way to an event and got lost in a parking garage. (Don't judge me, I have a terrible sense of direction). I asked a very nice woman if she knew how to get where I was going, and we happened to be attending the same event! I later ran into her at another event (where I realized who she was ... and she's a big deal!). We became fast friends, and I am lucky to call her a mentor. So don't be shy. Reach out when you need assistance because you never know who you may be chatting with! 

Please send your relationship and lifestyle questions to nbencivenga@post-gazette.com or tweet them to @NBSeen. You can also send postal letters to Natalie Bencivenga, 358 North Shore Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

(This column was originally published by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.)

DEAR NATALIE: If one is sitting in prime director's circle seats at the Benedum (or any section at any play for that matter), and the couple behind you are continuously albeit sporadically crinkling candy wrappers/plastic almond containers, etc., that they sell in the lobby, what is the polite/acceptable way to get such a boor to stop the distractions without angering nearby patrons with my comment or potentially embarrassing my companion? -- EASILY ANNOYED 

DEAR EASILY ANNOYED: Isn't it funny how something as seemingly benign as a candy wrapper can drive someone to insanity in certain moments? You can react to this one of two ways: 1. Turn around and politely whisper that the candy wrappers/almond boxes are rather loud and you would prefer it if they could wait until intermission to eat their treats. They will either sheepishly swallow the last of their candy whole or they will ignore your remark and unwrap things louder and more slowly. 2. You can take a deep breath, focus on the show and meditate for a minute on why you are so bothered by this noise. It's interesting because all day long we deal with distractions, we tune out conversations and background noise, and we are able to multitask. But whenever we are sitting in relative silence, the slightest noise can become so unnerving. 

DEAR NATALIE: I was recently invited to an engagement party. I have never been invited to one before. What does one wear to such an event (dressy, non-dressy, how casual), and second, what kind of present do the couple expect to receive (or should you not even take a present)? Thanks for your help in making me look socially sophisticated! -- NEEDS A CLUE 

DEAR NEEDS A CLUE: Engagement parties can be laid back or very formal depending on the couple and where the event takes place. If, for example, the invite reads something like "join us for a drink at (insert name of bar) on Friday night to celebrate the happy couple," dress depending on the bar. If it is a swanky place, opt for a cute cocktail dress or a chic pantsuit. If it is a more casual bar, you could wear nice jeans and a pretty top, or a casual dress. If the event is in the home of a family member or a friend, I always say I'd rather be overdressed than underdressed, and a little black dress paired with a snazzy heel will do the trick. And while it is not required, it is always nice to show up at someone's home with a small gift. (I learned that from my awesome mom.) A bottle of champagne is always nice. If the event is out at a public place, a card with well wishes is a thoughtful gesture, but don't feel obligated to bring anything beyond that. Just appear with a smile on your face and have a great time celebrating love! 

Natalie's Networking Tip of the Week: Keep it positive. We have all met the Debbie Downers of the world, those who would rather complain than look on the bright side. Be a ray of sunshine in people's lives (if only for a few moments) by focusing on your passions, your goals, and encourage others to do the same during the conversation. You want people to feel uplifted when they walk away from you. Remember, networking is about putting your best foot forward, so keep a smile on your face and a spring in your step! 

Please send your relationship and lifestyle questions to nbencivenga@post-gazette.com or tweet them to @NBSeen. You can also send postal letters to Natalie Bencivenga, 358 North Shore Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

(This column was originally published by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.)

DEAR NATALIE: I wanted to have a husband by 30. I turned 30 in December, and my boyfriend and I broke up basically because I gave him an ultimatum. He wasn’t ready and I was, and that was that. I’m heartbroken and lonely and want him back. What should I do? He won’t return my calls or texts or anything. He stopped following me on social media. Should I continue to pursue this or try and move on? I’m totally at a loss. -- BROKENHEARTED GIRL

DEAR BROKENHEARTED GIRL: Ever heard of that saying, “We make plans and God laughs?” Instead of putting pressure on yourself to reach these arbitrary milestones that society puts unnecessary pressure on us to achieve, why not instead dig a little deeper into what it is you really want. Do you really want him back? Or, do you really want a husband? Don’t waste energy on someone who doesn’t want to be with you. Bear in mind that this is a new chapter, a new beginning that you can focus your attention on. Instead of waiting for him to call, redirect your energy on finding happiness within yourself. A husband won’t make you happy. A child won’t make you happy. They can enhance or detract from your own contentment, but bliss must first be cultivated from within. And as you begin to radiate joy, you may find that the right person will come along to complement this new you.

DEAR NATALIE: With the New Year looming, I always try and give myself a big goal to achieve. Every year I fall short and feel embarrassed by what I didn’t do. Last year, my goal was to lose 25 pounds. I lost 5, gave up and haven’t lost any more weight. The year before that, I wanted to get a new job and move up in my profession but didn’t come close to a promotion. I’m in a rut. Any suggestions to make 2018 more fruitful? -- FRUITLESS YEAR

DEAR FRUITLESS YEAR: Instead of making one giant lofty goal that will most likely make you feel badly if you don’t achieve it, write down three attainable goals for the new year, and then write below each goal three action steps toward achieving them. It is amazing what can shift in our psyche once we put pen to paper. Just thinking about the things you want isn’t enough. You need a plan to help you follow through and stay focused. For example, if you want to lose 25 pounds, maybe the goal is to “get healthier” in 2018. The action steps could be: “walk XX number of steps a day,” “eat three to four servings of vegetables a day,” “take a yoga class once a week” ... you get the idea. By creating a map to get you to your destination, you will have a much better chance of getting there! Bon voyage!

Natalie's Networking Tip of the Week: Don’t underestimate the power of “hello.” Sometimes we assume people don’t want to interact or get to know one another, and we isolate ourselves. But any situation can bring you closer to a new contact that may prove to be helpful in the future. So get out there and be friendly!

(This column was originally published by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.)

Please send your relationship and lifestyle questions to nbencivenga@post-gazette.com or tweet them to @NBSeen. You can also send postal letters to Natalie Bencivenga, 358 North Shore Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15212