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Should I feel ashamed and embarrassed when I announce an engagement to my family?

Asked by ItalianPrincess1217 (11979points) June 14th, 2011 from iPhone

As some of you know, I was married once already and it unfortunately didn’t work out. I knew beforehand but went through with it anyway. Live and learn. I now have a new partner. We are expecting a baby in September. I’m absolutely in love with him and everything about this relationship is 100% different than my last. Still, I sometimes feel as though I’m not “allowed” to celebrate my happy and successful relationship to my family. They are still upset over my failed marriage and not all of them share in the joy of my new life. My partner and I have discussed marriage of course and it’s something we definitely plan to do after the baby is born. There is no date yet, no rings yet, no set plans yet. We have already committed our lives to one another regardless. But eventually we would like to make it official. Here’s my concern…it’s my second marriage. Am I supposed to have a small wedding, avoid white gowns, and treat it more like a funeral than a celebration? That’s how I feel my family will expect me to treat it. As if I should be ashamed that I’m doing this again. Will they think it’s a big joke and wonder “Hmm how long before this marriage ends?” I’m so happy for once in my life and I want to enjoy my wedding this time around. I want to laugh and dance and not worry about silly wedding details. But how can I do this if I’m constantly wondering how many people are judging me?

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