Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Scripps Howard News Service
Don’t worry — it’s totally normal if your guy has started acting a little crazy. Experts delved inside the groom’s brain to give you simple strategies for dealing with his strange behavior.
The groomzilla
He says things like: “I don’t know, I’m just not feeling peonies ... succulents might be better.”
How to deal: Relax; no one is suggesting that you take his balloon-centerpiece idea seriously. He’s probably just coping with inner panic, and he’s overcompensating. So make him feel like the equal player that he is and assign him a few tasks to oversee all on his own.
The social secretary
He says things like: “I just invited a cool guy from the gym. Make sure you add him to the guest list.”
How to deal: Hello! His exuberance may be adorable, but there are better ways to express it. Here’s what to do: Show him the cold, hard numbers. There’s nothing more sobering than seeing just how much these extra people can drive up the bottom line.
The mama’s boy
He says things like: “A teddy-bear theme could be cool” — just because your future mother-in-law made the suggestion.
How to deal: Work out the details with him behind the scenes and let him be the one to stand up to his mom. Keep in mind that she just wants to help, so give her a task that will play to her strengths (come on — everyone’s good at something!).
The big talker
He says things like: “Don’t worry. I’ve got it covered.”
How to deal: Resist nagging. Instead, have weekly check-ins where you both can give progress reports. Real progress reports, not just “I’ll get to it” or “Don’t worry.” When all the wedding-task talk takes place at one time, you’ll be less tempted to bring it up repeatedly and risk becoming — yep, a nag.