Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb are dishing out more much-needed advice for modern social dilemmas.
Then check out their advice on a variety of social quandariesincluding how to deal with wedding invite debaclesbelow.
Want their advice on how to handle a sticky social situation?
Photo:Peter Kramer/NBC
Wedding Invite Issues
MARY ASKS:My husbands niece is getting married in eight months.
Not my two children.
All our kids are 16 to 24, so age isnt an issue.
Were all fairly close, and there are no rifts in the family.
The actual wedding invitation might include their names, but I doubt it.
What should I do?
But you have to be prepared to learn it wasnt a mistake.
If thats the case, it probably isnt personal; it might be about numbers.
HODA KOTB:I was thinking that.
So it may have been a really difficult decision for the niece.
JBH:I would ask, but try not to take it personally.
HK:Yeah, I think you have to find out.
You have the right to ask, but you have to be ready for the no.
If your kids feel bad, you’re free to bow out.
They can invite who they want, and you’re able to decide not to attend.
Jenna Bush Hager
You have to prioritize yourself and your own health and happiness.
double-check you feel like youre living an honest, happy life.
Shes either happy and friendly or ice-cold and mean.
Ive already asked her once if she could speak to me in a gentler manner.
It lasted a week.
Im a senior citizen, and so is she.
Ive spoken to her; Ive spoken to the corporate office.
What should my next move be?
HK:Weve all had bosses who were not kind and spoke to us in tones that were upsetting.
I think theres only so much a person can tolerate in that environment.
Maybe theres somebody else you could talk to, like another manager or someone in HR.
Or look for a job where you feel more seen and welcomed.
One job isnt the only job.
If you walk in every day wondering whether itll be Dr. Jekyll or Ms. Hyde, try looking elsewhere.
JBH:You have to prioritize yourself and your own health and happiness.
double-check you feel like youre living an honest, happy life.
If your work environment is making you miserable, take action or find something else.
I fell asleep once when she was talking excessively!
How can I tactfully communicate that Id like to have a conversation as opposed to listening to her blabber?
Give the setup that youre coming in with news too.
JBH:Some people just arent good listeners.
Its that shes not a great listener.
My time is valuable too, and waiting 25 minutes for an appointment is unacceptable in my mind.
What can I do in this situation?
JBH:Youre not wrong!
If we make appointments, will you take a stab at be on time?
HK:You have to say something because otherwise shell be a half hour late the next time.
Its a slippery slope, and she might think youre always willing to wait.
JBH:I would just verify its a pattern before you say something.
If its only once, there could have been an unforeseen situation, like traffic or whatever.
If its a few times in a row, definitely say something.
