I was reading "Dear Abby" the other day and came across this brides dilemma that the mother-of-the-bride was seeking advice for. Although it's rather funny, it brought to mind subtle ways we can make hints to friends sometimes but don't. Some might say it's none of our business to say anything unless asked, so is there ever really a good time or a polite way to tell someone they need to "fix" something?
DEAR ABBY: How can my daughter broach the subject of her matron of honor's "beard"? We're not talking about a few hairs here, but a growth that would make some young men envious. The wedding is coming up soon, and the bride and groom are concerned how it will look in the wedding pictures, but they don't want to hurt her feelings.
I, for one, have been taking quick swipes with my razor for years, and my whiskers haven't grown back thicker or darker, and I only have to do it once or twice a week. Ladies, if unwanted facial hair embarrasses you, forget the myth that shaving will make it worse. You don't have to lather up like a man at the sink, and no one has to know it but you. -- BRIDE'S MOM, ST. LOUIS, MO.
DEAR MOM: Before the wedding, schedule a "spa" day for the women in the bridal party -- manicures, pedicures, waxing. When you get there, invite the "bearded lady" to join you in getting any excess facial hair removed. If she sees she isn't alone, she may go for it. And if she's resistant, your wedding photographer can always "Photoshop" the fur away.
As always, great advice Abby. Although not many of us have bridesmaid issues to deal with to ensure great photo opportunities, we all can agree to have a friend who was or is currently in need of beauty advice, but you're not quite sure how to break it to her. Be it her yellow teeth, bad hair color, too tight or unflattering clothes, poor makeup colors or application, body odor, or anything else that distracts people from seeing her REAL beauty.
I have no qualms about telling a friend when she makes a fashion or beauty faux pas and I expect the same in return [however, for the record I don't make any :)]. I am definitely not subtle though, BUT I can never be accused of being dishonest when someone asks me "how do I look?". I am forthright because I want people to always look their best and sometimes other people can just see things we don't notice because we're so used to our own taste. Even when friends don't ask me, I find a way to express my opinion (but that's just me), and as a friend I believe it is your duty to do the same when you see them needing a little beauty reality check.
Who ever said "the truth hurts" was obviously not talking about beauty fixers because NOT knowing the truth could be a lot worse.
