Just Ask Georgia: 11/6/2024

Georgia, I have a question,

Last year I (16F) went prom dress shopping with my grandma (54F) and my mom (35F). I found a lovely dress, and they each paid for half.

I was cleaning my room a few weeks ago when my grandma stopped by and mentioned how she would “love to try it on and borrow it for a weekend.”

I laughed her comment off and again hung the dress in the back of my closet.

Yesterday she asked if she could borrow the dress for a formal party this weekend. I said NO. She then went on a rant about how she paid for half of it and it’s just sitting in my closet anyway, so why not? Why not? Because it’s MINE. And eww...my GRANDMA wearing my dress? Am I wrong here?

MINE

Dear MINE,

It’s very clear your possessions matter more than your relationships with others. What’s the issue? It would make her happy to borrow the dress - where is the harm? Yes, it’s yours...and she will return it. She paid for half of it because she loves you and wanted you to be happy - can’t you allow the same kindness and let her borrow it?

I’m curious: Do you have something planned for this dress besides sitting in the back of your closet that somehow precludes her from borrowing it? Could she not wear it for whatever evening and return it to you cleaned?

Even if she wants to get sloppy drunk and force the cat to slow dance with her, what is the harm in allowing her to borrow it?

With love, GEORGIA