Page 93 of Runaway Bride and Prejudice

So, I stare at the wedding band Amelia and I picked out at the only place open late last night--the most touristy gift shop in the resort, barely a step above the stores selling spray-painted shirts and hermit crabs. Instead of buying Amelia a matching one, she asked me to switch her mother’s ring to her other hand. I remember the way her hand shook when I did it and her brilliant smile afterward.

Swallowing down a knot in my throat, I grab my suitcase and start to pack.

Guess it’s a good thing we didn’t go out and get matching tattoos.

PART TWO- PREJUDICE

RULES FOR RUNAWAY BRIDES

BY AMELIA DAVIS

Step aside, Julia Roberts—there’s a new runaway bride in town.

Actually, there aredozensof us. Women who have stayed silent, tucked away into the shadows like secrets.

Because there is deep shame in calling off a wedding, whether it’s moments before walking down the aisle (in my case) or days, weeks, or months before. Even if it’s not your fault.

Even if the groom is caught with the maid of honor minutes before the wedding (also in my case).

It takes strength and courage to call off a wedding. Whether it’s due to infidelity or realizing it’s the wrong decision, there should be no shame. Better to realize now and have to deal with the logistics of returning dozens of wedding gifts than to say “I do” and then untangle two whole lives.

So, gather round, runaway brides! Here are some tips for your journey.

Don’t be afraid to walk away.You might have already taken this step, but if you’re reading and suddenly recognize a twisting in your gut of real, true doubt—it’s okay to call off your wedding.

Phone a friend.Or ten. Whether it’s driving you away from the church or helping return gifts, you can’t do this alone. Ask for help. Repeatedly.

Get out of town.Take some time for yourself, whether that’s literally or figuratively out of town. Back off from your normal routine. Breathe.

Take forward steps.Don’t get stuck, though the temptation might be strong to live in regret or memories. Move forward, not back. Even if you start with baby steps.

Do something that scares you every day.Take risks—the healthy kind. Challenge yourself. And make sure some of those friends from #2 are there to keep you safe.

Don’t fall into a guilt trap.You’ve heard of a guilt trip, but a guilt trap is when you fall into a pattern of feeling like this is your fault. It’s not, so keep moving and don’t fall into the trap!

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