Bridal Shower STRESS?

At my bridal shower with my best friend Kim (left) and sister (right)

Bridal Showers, Stressful?  Who knew.  I would never picture a room full of women that I love would give me anxiety…especially women who are bringing me presents. 

About 35 people sat down at Miya’s sushi in New Haven.  The restaurant was NOT the problem.  Everyone was impressed with the constant flow of unique and delicious dishes. Just when you thought you couldn't handle another bite, out comes “Charlie Chan’s Ching Chong”, a sushi roll filled with broccoli, black beans and garlic ,YUM! And how can you have a bad time when homemade spicy firecracker sake is being passed out for…sake bombs.  This was not your typical bridal shower.

My first issue was the pressure of talking to everyone.  People traveled hours to celebrate with me from NY, NJ, PA, NH and even SC! I wanted every person in the room to know how grateful I was that they sacrificed their Sunday to celebrate with me.  There was a mix of family members I haven’t seen in years, best friends and people I would like to get to know better.  Who deserved the most attention? I spent the entire eating portion of the shower circling around the group like a shark, picking up Chef Bun Lai’s latest creation on my plate after every lap.  I was exhausted.

And then….the presents. I hate watching people open presents.  And contrary to what my mom thinks, it’s not because I’m jealous.  I just think it’s boring!  Why should I care that my friend has a new set of silverware.  Zzzzzzz. So naturally, I wanted to open my gifts as quickly as possible, to spare my guests the two hour ordeals I’ve witnessed in the past.

First, you have to read the card. Here’s the thing…I only read the handwritten parts of any card.  Why should I care about the poem about my wedding day from Mr. Hallmark?  Apparently that wasn’t good enough. 

“Well…what does it say?”

“This gift is from Jess.”

In the back I heard someone shout, “read it”.  I ignored them.  I didn't have time for that.

Normally I open up my presents painfully slow.  The best part about getting a new gift is the suspense.  But not this time. I tore at the wrapping paper as if one of the boxes contained hundred dollar bills. Inside, a nice set of pans. “Thank you Jess! I needed those.” Onto the next.

“Wait!  What is it?  hold it up!” Oh no.  “Take a picture with it. “  Oh no.  Rushing through the presents is harder than it looks.  And I stressed over every minute of it.

I am so glad I won’t have to open up presents for my wedding. 

Opening gifts at the shower