Dear Abby,

I'm really afraid to sound like a horrible person here....but I have a huge problem. My friend asked me to be in her wedding, but she wants everything over the top and expensive. I only work part-time an have issues making ends meet already, so I want to decline. She is waiting on my answer and it's already akward because I didn't say YES right away....what should I do?

Poor Bridesmaid

Dear Poor Bridesmaid,

I think everyone can relate to having some trouble making ends meet. Whether you're full-time or part-time, times are hard these days. Tell your friend your concerns. Maybe she'll pay up front and you can pay her back, kind of like a credit card. Your friend will only get married once (hopefully) and you don't want to miss it, especially if she thought you were special enough to ask to be in her wedding. Gently tell her that you don't have the money and you don't know how'd you make this work. As friends, you'll work through this together, but you have to talk about it before it can be resolved.