Family pushes for flaky cousin

Dear Abby: I have an extremely difficult decision to make. I recently got engaged to the love of my life. However, with this comes the decision of who should be my maid of honor.

Until a couple of years ago, the choice was obvious – my cousin. Over the past couple of years, though, we’ve become distant. She’s an extremely flaky person and can’t be counted on for much. Now, I also have a best friend who is always there when I need her, but we’ve been friends for only a couple of years.

My immediate family says I should still ask my cousin to be my maid of honor because her feelings will be hurt if I don’t. Abby, I don’t want to give such a special title to someone I can no longer depend on. She has hurt my feelings countless times by not being there. Please help.

Dear Stuck: Talk to your cousin and also your best friend. When you do, remind your cousin there are serious responsibilities that go along with being a maid of honor. Tell her that if it’s too much for her, she could be a bridesmaid. If she says she wants to be maid of honor, give her the chance.

Dear Abby: I feel much more comfortable eating gluten-free. But it creates problems when I’m invited to the homes of friends. What’s the best way to deal with my dietary restrictions when invited to these affairs?

Dear Restricted: If catering to your dietary restrictions is a problem for your host, deal with it by asking if he or she will be serving salad and bring something with you that you can eat with it.