Can there be a cool Wedding Shower?

There are many reasons this totally random topic is on my mind. 1.) FroggerGirl is getting older and it’s harder to ignore that her friends are growing up too and doing adult things like Marriage. 2.) The little green lady attended the Couple’s Shower of some friends who are getting married in 2 weeks.

The lovely couple of friends, who shall be called Multi-Cultural Duo, who are getting married very soon are oldish friends. I’ve known them since Grad School and I even lived with the female half of the duo in the Snowing Northland of Syracuse, so there is love for both of them and a great deal of happiness for their future. This past weekend was a Couples Shower, which was kind of an awkward naming…it was not meant only for couples, but it was targeted that way in some of the names of the invited and the tone of the event. There were a number of couples, and a number of females hales of married/committed duos that went solo for the event. However, the couples tone was a bit of a downer for a few in attendance…including the FroggerGirl, who still lacks the special FrogBoy, but I digress.

It has been my feeling for years that most men would rather have their eye teeth pulled than attend a shower. Let’s face it, showers tend to be girlie affairs, even when aimed at a couple. Frilly cakes, lots of gifts, usually of the Susie Homemaker variety and if your REALLY lucky cheesy-ass games (Bow Bouquet anyone?) and old wives tales to enjoy (you know like if you break a ribbon on a present that’s one child the couple will have) and prolong the estrogen high atmosphere. I think it takes a special guy to get super excited over bowl, towels and all the kitchen homey stuff that is gifted.

I am of the belief that no matter how cool, progressive and wonderful you are (like Multi-Cultural Duo) all the old clichés of Bridal and Wedding Showers come to bear. You will be bombarded by mostly women bearing gifts (except for me b/c I took the invitation at its word on the whole no gifts needed thing) and there will be those who will present the awkward pop quiz about the Wedding, your Marriage into the future and the all important, “So, when are you having kids?” questions. Also, you will be forced to sit there and open presents in front of everyone, with all the social pressure that includes to you, and your audience, who frankly on average are not super interested in the bowls and such unless they gave it to you. Maybe if I had been drinking the excitement would have been ramped up a bit, but for as much fun as I had there were lulls.

These experience great the mixed feelings of fear/dread for if/when I have to go through this myself. Happiness for the success and love of the Multi-Cultural Duo and all the others I know/love who are doing this crazy life commitment thing. There is also a touch of, “What the Hell” on the whole process, because I may be a woman, but it’s mystifying.