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Many people see gettingengagedas making a lifelong commitment.

So it can be absolutely heartbreaking when an engagement doesnt work out.

And it can be even more painful to watch your former fiance move on within months.

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One womanreached outto Reddit detailing how she found herself being pressured to attend theweddingof her ex and her cousin.

Sure, it can work.

But only if everyone involved is genuinely on great terms and theres zero residual weirdness.

Man walks away while a woman sits on stairs looking concerned, relating to ex-girlfriend’s cousin scenario.

This is possible, especially with exes of the distant past, but rare.

On the flip side, Megan says there are plenty of risks associated with inviting an ex.

Even if the bride or groom is chill about it, not all the guests may be.

Text discussing a woman’s dilemma about her ex-boyfriend marrying her cousin, focusing on marriage fears.

And if the current partner isnt 100% on board, then its a definite no go.

So how can wedding guests respectfully turn down an invitation if they dont feel comfortable attending?

You are always allowed to say no to a wedding invite, the expert shared.

Text about a guy marrying his ex-girlfriend’s cousin. Surprised by an invitation to their wedding.

Megan says the key is to be kind but firm.

Try something like: Thank you for the invitation, I really appreciate it.

However, after a lot of thought, Ive decided its best for me to sit this one out.

Woman with blue hair and tattoos laughing, wearing a white top and necklace.

I hope its a beautiful day, and I wish you all the best.'

You dont owe a full explanation or a debate, she explained.

Set the boundary and stick to it.

Man marries ex-girlfriend’s cousin; she’s a free spirit artist with unique style, wearing colorful hair and extravagant outfits.

If family pushes back, just repeat the message: This is what I need to do for myself.

Theyll get over itespecially once the weddings over and the drama dies down.

The expert then provided some advice for anyone who might be in a similar situation.

Text about family expectations regarding a wedding tied to ex-girlfriend’s cousin.

So first, acknowledge that it hurts, and thats valid.

But dont dwell on it.

Instead of spiraling, use this as a reason to refocus on yourself, she recommends.

A woman with long hair covers her face with her hands, wearing a watch and rings, seated on a sofa.

Mute their name on socials if you have to (and havent already).

Avoid the what ifs and focus on the what nows.

Then, keep moving forward.

Text expressing frustration about attending an ex’s wedding to his cousin.

Remind yourself that their wedding isnt a reflection of your worth.

Protect your peace, trust your gut, and never feel bad for setting boundaries.

Check out the results:

Text discussing family pressure and emotions after a decision involving marrying ex-girlfriend’s cousin.

Text snippet explaining doubts due to tight-knit, traditional family beliefs.

A groom in a black suit holds hands with a bride in a white gown, symbolizing a wedding decision.

Woman looks out a window, contemplating in a dimly lit room, related to an ex-GF’s cousin’s relationship.

Reddit comment addressing family dynamics about a guy marrying his ex-girlfriend’s cousin.

Reddit comment giving advice on family honesty and processing emotional situations calmly.

Comment discussing family and relationship dynamics after guy marries ex-girlfriend’s cousin.

Online comment responding to a situation about a guy marrying his ex-girlfriend’s cousin.

Text user response discussing a guy deciding to marry his ex-girlfriend’s cousin, sharing opinions.

Comment discussing a person marrying their ex-girlfriend’s cousin, addressing deception and expectations to attend an event.

Reddit comment about marrying ex-girlfriend’s cousin, mentioning surprise about recent discovery.

Online comment advising not to attend ex-GF’s cousin’s wedding, expressing support and addressing loyalty concerns.

Reddit comment discussing feelings of betrayal related to a family secret.

Text screenshot discussing a guy marrying his ex-girlfriend’s cousin, mentioning cheating and family issues.

Text comment about marrying ex-girlfriend’s cousin discusses relationship feelings and family event decisions.

Reddit comment saying, “NTA: it’s an invitation, not a summons,” related to marrying ex-GF’s cousin.

Comment discussing wedding loyalty and family betrayal regarding ex-GF’s cousin marriage situation.

Reddit post discussing relationship dynamics, mentioning a cancelled wedding and setting boundaries for mental health.

Reddit comment reacting to news of a guy marrying his ex-girlfriend’s pregnant cousin.

Comment expressing disapproval of attending family events due to toxic people involved in a relationship.

Online comment discussing relationship betrayal advice.

Text post discussing a guy marrying his ex-girlfriend’s cousin, touching on family reactions and support issues.

Reddit comment discussing feelings about attending a cousin’s wedding.

Reddit comment advising against attending weddings with disliked brides or grooms.

Reddit comment discussing relationships, focusing on dating a cousin’s ex and nitpicking appearances.

Online post criticizing a person’s actions towards an ex-girlfriend’s cousin, discussing trust issues and relationship choices.

Text message discussing wedding decision and family distancing in context of marrying ex-girlfriend’s cousin.

Text conversation about friends planning a vacation during a wedding.

Man comforting woman at a table, surrounded by plants, discussing a difficult situation involving marriage and pregnancy.

Text from an online confession about a guy, his ex-girlfriend, and her cousin’s situation.

Man explains to his ex-girlfriend his decision to marry her cousin, emphasizing no infidelity occurred.

Man choosing to marry pregnant ex-girlfriend’s cousin due to fear of not meeting his child, text on a white background.

Text message about ending a relationship and blocking a number, mentioning unresolved questions.

Comment discusses a situation of a guy marrying ex-girlfriend’s cousin due to pregnancy concerns.

Comment discussing a man marrying ex-girlfriend’s cousin, mentioning pregnancy and family awareness.

Reddit comment discussing relationship trust and cheating concerns.

Text response discussing guy marrying ex-girlfriend’s cousin and his fear related to her pregnancy.

Comment about a guy marrying ex-girlfriend’s cousin, mentioning cheating and babysitters.