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BFF May Lose More Than Morals in Vegas

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Dear John: I'm a bridesmaid in a wedding for a BFF. Before the big day, we'll all be going to Las Vegas. I have mixed feelings about this, because I know that the bride sees this as an opportunity for a "last fling." Her excuse is that she won't know if he'll be doing the same at his bachelor party. As much as I like her, the groom is also a close friend of mine, and I'd feel awful if she followed through on her plan, whether he did or not. Frankly, I don't know if I can keep my mouth shut! Help me out here! —The Bridesmaid with a Dilemma, in Houston, Texas

Dear Bridesmaid: Wow. If this is her attitude — or his — then your friends will have one rocky journey on the path to "happily ever after."

Obviously, you don't want to be in the middle of her drama. Well, guess what? You don't have to be. Bow out of the Vegas trip — and the whole wedding, if that would make you more comfortable. That way, you won't be put in the middle of something that (if what you say is true) may not last anyway.

Dear John: I'm a very cheerful person. Unfortunately, my boyfriend's depression is getting me down. If he's not complaining about his job, it's about his lack of friends to hang out with. I have a ton of friends. As much as I like being with him, sometimes I find him a drag. What's the best way to let him know that he should lighten up, before he loses me, too? — Little Miss Sunshine, in Marietta, Ga.

Dear Little Miss Sunshine: From what you're describing, your boyfriend may be clinically depressed. Before you call it quits, encourage him to seek counseling and to get a diagnosis from a licensed psychiatrist. Depression is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a condition that can be controlled. With your love and support, he'll be on the right path to a more satisfying frame of mind.

John Gray is the author of "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus." Visit his website, http://www.marsvenus.com, for advice on dating, marriage, parenting, romance and workplace issues. Or e-mail him at comments@marsvenus.com. To find out more about John Gray and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2012 JOHN GRAY'S MARS VENUS ADVICE


Comments

3 Comments | Post Comment
LW1: Does this girl know you consider her fiance to be a close friend? I doubt she does so I doubt you are. Mind your own business. Their relationship has nothing to do with you. Get your own life and live it.

LW2: Tell him how you feel and that you can't take it anymore. Once he gets help you'll start seeing him again. His illness has nothing to do with you so you don't have to suffer for it.
Comment: #1
Posted by: Diana
Thu Feb 2, 2012 1:28 PM
@Diana - Re: LW2. Wow, great idea. Next time she gets the flu, I hope he doesn't do the same and move out until you are "better". No, his depression isn't HER problem, unless she loves him. Telling a depressed person to lighten up is like telling a diabetic to stop needing insulin. It is not something that can be controlled. Sounds like Little Miss Sunshine has no clue about depression. If she is so shallow that being "sick" requires her not to care and to move out until he is better, maybe she shouldn't be in a relationship to begin with. Good thing they aren't married as it seems you and she thinks that the vows should read "in health only. And if you do get sick, I will move out until you get better." Wonderful, supportive girlfriend, that one, since he won't listen to her ORDERS to lighten up.
Comment: #2
Posted by: Julie
Fri Feb 3, 2012 11:13 AM
Julie wrote: . No, his depression isn't HER problem, unless she loves him. Telling a depressed person to lighten up is like telling a diabetic to stop needing insulin. It is not something that can be controlled. Sounds like Little Miss Sunshine has no clue about depression. If she is so shallow that being "sick" requires her not to care and to move out until he is better, maybe she shouldn't be in a relationship to begin with.
****************
Oh, my word, Julie. Where did LW say she was living with this guy? She says "boyfriend" -- for all we know, they're both 17 and still living at home with their respective parents! You know, boyfriend, as in "dating"?

It's not shallow to decide that someone's general mindset and approach to life don't mesh well with yours, after you've both moved past the initial attraction stage. That's actually more mature than deciding you can (or should) change someone to suit your own standards (which I find pretty shallow.)

Boyfriend MAY be clinically depressed. Or. maybe he's just immature enough not to know how to make/keep friends, do what he needs to to find a better job. Maybe he's under the impression that unhappiness is inherently "cooler" or "more sophisticated" or "deeper" than optimism -- not unusual among guys in their late teens or early 20s. (Girls, too, for that matter).

Yes, LW should recognize that clinical depression requires more than a "snap out of it" -- and it would be a kindness for her to suggest he seek treatment (because depression CAN be treated). But heavens, her needs count too, and if she needs a partner who looks at the glass and sees it half-full, she's smart to recognize it now...and it's actually kinder to him to cut it off earlier rather than later.
Comment: #3
Posted by: hedgehog
Sat Feb 4, 2012 9:13 AM
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