DEAR MISS MANNERS: What is a shower planner to do? It is impossible to generate a manageable guest list anymore, given the climate of gender neutrality.
My gay girlfriends want to bring their partners; my transgender friends do, too. And my gay nephew wants to be invited along with his husband. Am I supposed to give all the invited guests a plus-one? I'm all for coed parties and showers, but they require twice as many seats and there are twice as many mouths to feed, which somewhat defeats the purpose of the shower.
If we now have to invite two guests from each household, where before it was only one, then venue options become limited and the budget is stressed.
Should we just do away with bridal and baby showers?
GENTLE READER: Yes, if the result is going to be antagonizing all the couple's friends.