While the saying goes “you can’t pick your family,” you can pick how you want to respond to them, and in the world of soon-to-be bride (and royal) Meghan Markle, she is choosing to ignore those members of her family who seem hell-bent on smearing her in the press leading up to her fairy tale day. Maybe it’s jealousy? Perhaps it’s hurt feelings? Whatever the reason behind the venom spewing from her estranged half-sister and half-brother, it seems relentless.

This behavior in the tabloids started nice enough. Her older half-sister, Samantha Grant, stated months ago that she wished that they could reconnect during this happy time. But, those comments have since taken a different tone as it was recently reported when Prince Harry announced that 1,200 people will be able to watch the royal couple get married at Windsor Castle on Saturday. It was recommended that these people bring a picnic basket, to which Samantha tweeted: “Wow, do they get sent to dungeons if their children get grouchy and express that they’re hungry with no catering? Bring your own picnic basket? Really? Even low-budget film sets have roach coaches selling burgers and taquitos.”

If that wasn’t bad enough, Ms. Markle also has to contend with her older half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., who recently penned an open letter to the royal family that was published in In Touch Weekly. He urged Prince Harry to reconsider marrying Ms. Markle, stating that “as more time passes to your royal wedding, it became very clear that this is the biggest mistake in royal wedding history,” the 51-year-old wrote. “Meghan Markle is obviously not the right woman for you.” He adds that she is a “jaded, shallow, conceited woman that will make a joke of you and the royal family heritage.” He says later in the letter that he isn’t “bitter just baffled” that he hadn’t received an invitation.

Well, gee, I wonder why? Even though some within the castle have reportedly advised the couple to invite the estranged family members to help squash the negative talk in the press, I don’t blame her one bit for sticking to her guns and refusing to allow such negativity near her on her special day. Weddings are stressful enough. There are so many political landmines to avoid in any wedding, let alone a royal one. Even if she wanted to relent and invite them, at this point it is too late. It would look like the only reason she would be including them is to appease them and stop the negative stories. Plus, can you imagine the dirt they would spill after the wedding to the press?

While that might delight the tabloids and bloggers, I can’t imagine that would be a great way to start a marriage. The tweets and letters put out by her half-siblings say a lot more about them than they do about Ms. Markle, and if my family members were saying things like that about me publicly, they would be put on the “do not invite list,” too.

Natalie's Networking Tip of the Week: Remember that line: “Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold”? It applies to networking, as well. While new contacts can be exciting and keep things fresh, you never want to forget people who worked with you in the beginning. Nurture old relationships, too, because you never know what ideas you may be able to spark!

Please send your questions to Natalie Bencivenga to her email, nbencivenga@post-gazette.com; or through postal mail to Natalie Bencivenga, 358 North Shore Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15212.

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

DEAR NATALIE: My boyfriend and I took our time to get to know each other before jumping into titles and formalities. When I did meet his female friend, she was less than polite. He explained that's just her nature, and she hadn't gotten the memo yet either. It's been months since then, and there has been no action on her behalf to at least be cool with me. 

Yes, I get that we all have our separate lives and friends. No, I don't expect to become her new BFF. All I'm looking for is a little respect, that's all! If I were good friends with a guy who obtained a girlfriend, I would go out of my way to make her feel comfortable. 

Should I try to reach out to her, or is that overstepping my boundaries? I've asked him to invite her and her boyfriend out with us.

Perhaps I'll just let it go. He's very good to me, and I like him a lot. What do you think I should do? -- Girl Fail

DEAR Girl Fail: The chilly reception you are receiving from your boyfriend's girlfriend probably is because she has unresolved feelings for him. If she had a thing for him, she should have acted on it while he was single. Now, it's too late, and she's most likely jealous of your relationship. This sounds like "My Best Friend's Wedding." (And you are Cameron Diaz!) In all seriousness, don't bother with her. It isn't your problem and don't make it yours. Instead, be cordial but distant with her. Focus on your relationship with him, because it sounds like you are enjoying his company. Water what you want to grow and let the rest fade away. She'll get the hint. Maybe this will teach her to go after what she wants in life instead of waiting in the wings for things to happen. 

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: What is the appropriate way to address someone else's dog in public? Is it appropriate to pet without asking? How about picking the dog up? How about some stranger kissing my dog on the mouth?!?! -- French Kissing My Frenchie

DEAR FRENCH KISSING MY FRENCHIE: May I start by saying, "Ew." Once again, why anyone would think it is OK to pet your dog, pick up your dog or make out with your dog without your consent (and no one is going to consent to French kissing, anyway) is beyond me. Your dog (or any pet) is a family member. I completely understand your disgust and frustration. Once again, people forget themselves when around too much cuteness. Any time I see an adorable dog in public, I often will say, "Your dog is so cute! May I pet him or her?" Sometimes people say "Yes." Sometimes they say "No." But the important thing to note here is that I ask for permission. What if your dog would have freaked out at this overzealous stranger and nipped a nose or a lip when he or she went to kiss them? Somehow you would have been to blame for this. So, if for no other reason than trying to prevent a future lawsuit, the next time someone wants to pet your pooch, just simply say, "Frenchie is uncomfortable around new people, so I would prefer you just look and do not touch." You also may want to keep your dog on a short leash when you are walking in public so it is easy to quickly scoop it up if need be. 

Natalie's Networking Tip of the Week: It's all about the follow-up. After you have made a contact and invited that person to meet for coffee or tea, make sure to send him or her a friendly follow-up email or handwritten note after you meet. Thank him or her for spending time with you and plan your next meeting (if applicable). If the meeting wasn't as fruitful as you hoped it to be, still be polite but vague as to when you will see each other again. Never burn bridges. 

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.)