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Dear Preston:

I have a problem.  My sister-in-law is also getting married and seems to be copying my wedding ideas.  I have tried to address this with my fiancé, but he flat-out refuses to accept that her blatant plagiarism is anything but coincidental. I confessed to her that I wanted a beautiful winter wedding in January with touches of gold and pink and was shocked when we received news she was planning her big day (complete with my color scheme) in January of 2014. We’re now getting married a month later to accommodate everyone’s schedule.  She then went to my caterer and planner and even asked me for a peek at my dress before she went dress shopping! I refused, claiming it was a secret from everyone.  I don’t know what to do. Please help!

– Copied

Dear Copied:

First of all, congratulations on your upcoming wedding.  I should also congratulate you on having good taste. Your sister-in-law clearly sees that you have an eye, not only for design, but for planning. She’s looking to you to help her fill the gaps in her own sense of inspiration and confidence. While no one enjoys being ripped off, there are two ways to look at it: You can be angry and allow it to ruin your wedding day (and cause arguments between you and the man you love), or you can see it as flattery and do a better job at keeping those secrets you really don’t feel like sharing.

As a guest at her wedding, you will now enjoy decor you love, food you hand-selected and know that you’ve helped your new family member experience the best day of her life. You’ll then marry the man you love at the wedding of your dreams one month later.

It sounds to me like you have a wonderful winter ahead of you; just don’t tell her where you’re honeymooning or you may have adjoining villas.

Blessings,

Preston

Readers: What would you do in this situation? Would you confront your SIL or let it go?

(Photo Courtesy of Pinterest)