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Funny Friends...

Ok. So I recently watched an episode of "Say Yes to the Dress" and I was floored by the amount of women that brought their "friends" along to support their decisions. Don't get me wrong, I don't mean I'm floored that women bring women along, I mean, that I get. As women we want (and need) our friends to tell us how great we look, how smart we are, etc. but what I don't get is why as best friends we feel the need to tell them what we think is friendly advise and honesty, when all we're doing is choosing what we want for ourselves.

Take for example: I recently met a wonderful woman who was planning a wedding celebration, and contacted me to get some menu ideas and room layouts. I was happy to help, as my clients always get my personal attention. (I mean that is what they pay me for, lol) So we met and before I could properly introduce myself, her friend (who we'll just call *A*) jumps in and states in a loud, clear and concise tone (just in case I couldn't hear of course) exactly what her friends plans were. "She wants... and she needs... etc..." And my darling client just stood there shell shocked. O..M..G! So she clears her throat and says "No, what I was thinking was more of.." but before she could finish the sentence *A* cuts her off and say "Oh, hun I got this" and practically waved her away. (You know... daaarling) So I skillfully raised one eye brow, (as this was not the first time I encountered this) and turned to my client and sweetly told her I was interested in hearing more of her thoughts as it was important to me that she be happy. 

At that, WOW! I thought I'd be fried on the spot! *A* shot me a laser beam look that clearly told me she was not happy, but as she couldn't just tell her friend to shut the heck up, (ha!) she stalked away. Whew! 

So, after about an hour we got the menu squared away and the room layout done, all while *A* vetoed this and that. (She had joined us after a few moments, guess she couldn't stay away, shucks!) When I got up to leave, I gently shook my head and told my client I'd e-mail her the details and call her with any changes. (To which, *A* shoved her card in my hand and told me to e-mail her as well, sheesh!)

But my point is this: why do we, as vocal creatures have a tendency to put our own thoughts, feelings, and desires on someone else? Is it a fear that we will allow someone in our midst to shine brighter than us, even if only for one night? Is that why some of us are always a bridesmaid, never a bride? Let us try to remember that being a friend means letting our friends voice their own opinions, let them choose their own gowns, food, etc., but being women can we really do that? Can we?