Author: admin

I thought I had found the perfect man and we were planning our wedding when I stepped outside one morning and saw five spray-painted words on his car: ‘You picked the wrong guy, gave him the wrong finger.’ At that moment, everything I believed about him started to fall apart.

When you’re truly happy, you don’t expect disaster. Just a few days ago, Ethan had proposed to me, and now we were slowly talking about the wedding.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I kept smiling at nothing, thinking about how lucky I was. Ethan was everything I had ever dreamed of in a man—gentle, kind, thoughtful, responsible. I had waited a long time for this kind of love.

We had our little routines, one of which was breakfast together. I always got up early and cooked, then woke Ethan so we could start the day with coffee, eggs, and plans.

That morning was no different. I was flipping pancakes when the doorbell rang. Strange. We weren’t expecting anyone.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Sora
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Sora

When I opened the door, I saw Megan, our neighbor from across the street. She lived with her brother Jay.

Megan was the type of person who always knew everyone’s business, and while I wasn’t a fan of that, I tolerated her. Jay, on the other hand, was sweet and respectful, always polite when we crossed paths.

“Good morning,” I said, keeping my tone neutral.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Megan gave me an odd look, almost… sympathetic. “I’m so sorry, Rachel.”

My stomach dropped. “Sorry? For what?”

“I mean, you just got engaged… and now this? It must be awful.”

“What are you talking about?” I frowned. “Ethan and I are perfectly fine.”

She glanced behind her toward the street. “I just thought maybe you knew. I mean, your fiancé’s car… there’s a message on it. And it’s not exactly cheerful.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My heart skipped a beat. “What message?”

Megan hesitated. “You should probably see it for yourself.” Then she walked away.

I went back to the kitchen and turned off the stove, quickly slipped on my sandals, and walked outside. I scanned Ethan’s car. From the front and back, it looked normal. But when I stepped to the passenger side, I froze.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

There it was. A spray-painted message across the windows and door: ‘You picked the wrong guy, gave him the wrong finger.’

My mouth went dry. My first thought was that it had to be a joke. A cruel, tasteless joke. But something about it felt off. Ethan and I had no enemies. At least I thought we didn’t.

I stormed back inside and up the stairs to our bedroom. Ethan was still sleeping, curled under the blanket.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Ethan!” I shook his shoulder.

“Hm? What’s wrong?” he mumbled.

“Have you seen your car this morning?”

He blinked at me. “My car? No, why?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“There’s a message painted on the side. Someone vandalized it.”

He sat up, confused. “Last night, everything was fine. I parked and came straight in.”

“Well, it’s not fine now,” I said. “Come and see for yourself.”

We stood on the sidewalk together, staring at the words. Ethan scratched the back of his neck.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Sora
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Sora

“Any idea who might have done this?” I asked.

He shook his head. “No clue.”

“Then why would someone write something like this?”

“I have no idea,” he said. “Maybe someone mistook my car for someone else’s.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I narrowed my eyes. “You’re not hiding anything from me?”

He met my gaze. “Of course not. I love you, Rachel. I would never lie to you.”

He leaned in and kissed my cheek, then turned to go inside.

“I told you we should’ve installed security cameras!” I called after him.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Sora
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Sora

That gave me an idea. Megan’s house. They had cameras pointing at the street.

Ethan was already sitting at the table when I came back in.

“Are you going to call the police?” I asked.

He shook his head. “No need. It’s probably just some stupid prank.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

I bit the inside of my cheek. “Okay.”

“I’ll have to take the bus today,” he added, getting up. “I’ll see you tonight.” Another kiss on the cheek, and he was gone.

I changed clothes and went to Megan’s. Jay opened the door.

“Hey,” I said. “I know this is strange, but someone vandalized Ethan’s car last night. Do your cameras point at our driveway?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

Jay nodded. “Megan already told me about it. Come in, we’ll check the footage.”

Of course she did, I thought. Megan and her big mouth.

Jay led me to the computer. We watched the footage from the night before. Around 2 a.m., a hooded figure appeared on screen, approached the car, spray-painted the message, and quickly walked away. Their face was completely hidden.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Sora
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Sora

Jay sighed. “Sorry. There’s no way to tell who it was.”

“Thank you anyway,” I said. “I appreciate your help.”

Jay hesitated. “Can I ask… do you really think this was a prank?”

I looked at him. “What else could it be?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Jay met my eyes. “The message… it seemed personal. Like someone trying to tell you something.”

“You think Ethan’s hiding something?”

Jay shrugged. “I don’t know. You’re the one marrying him.”

I left feeling uneasy. That day, when Ethan got home, he was scrubbing the car clean. Once the message was gone, he came back inside.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“You sure there’s nothing you want to tell me?” I asked him again.

He smiled. “There’s nothing, babe. The car is clean, it’s over.”

But I couldn’t sleep. Around midnight, Ethan’s phone buzzed with a message. I shouldn’t have looked, but I did.

‘Meet me after work tomorrow. We need to talk.’ And the address. I copied the address into my phone.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

The next morning, Ethan casually mentioned that he would be staying late at work.

“Lots to handle lately,” he said.

“Okay,” I replied. “I’ll have dinner on my own then.”

He smiled. “Sounds good.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

But all day, my thoughts spun. Jay’s words. The message. That text. I could not ignore them.

After work, I drove to that address. Ethan’s car was already there. I parked across the street and looked through the window. Inside was Ethan… and a woman.

They were sitting with paperwork between them, talking calmly. Nothing romantic. I waited. Time passed. Nothing happened.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

Eventually, Ethan stood up and left. I quickly drove home, hoping to beat him. I made it just in time.

When he arrived, I watched from the window as he parked. But not in our driveway. No. He parked in front of Megan and Jay’s house.

Everything clicked. Of course, it was Megan. She was the one who told me about the message on the car, and I saw the envy in her eyes when she found out Ethan had proposed to me. That bastard was cheating on me right under my nose!

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

I stormed outside, keeping quiet, creeping toward their house. I wanted to catch him in the act. I stood beneath the open window and listened.

“I had to do it,” Ethan said. “You knew this relationship would end eventually. I told you I had to marry Rachel.”

I expected to hear Megan’s voice, but it wasn’t her. I heard Jay’s voice instead.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“And yet you told me you loved me,” Jay said.

My stomach turned. I slapped a hand over my mouth to keep from gasping.

“My family would never accept me,” Ethan muttered.

“You can’t live your life hiding,” Jay replied. “You can’t lie to Rachel forever.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“We can still see each other,” Ethan said.

“Are you kidding me?!” I burst into the room, my voice overlapping with Jay’s.

Ethan froze. “Rachel, it’s not what it looks like.”

“Not what it looks like?!” I screamed. “I trusted you! I loved you! And you lied to me every single day!”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I didn’t have a choice! And I’m comfortable with you!”

“You don’t marry someone because they’re ‘comfortable,’ Ethan!”

He stepped forward. “Please forgive me.”

“No,” I said. “Pack your things. You’re done.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Rachel, please.”

“I want to marry someone who loves me, who wants me. Not someone who wants another man!”

“You can’t blame me for being gay!” he shouted.

“I don’t blame you for being gay!” I cried. “There’s nothing wrong with that! I blame you for building a life with me on a lie!”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Rachel, I’m begging you,” he said, stepping toward me.

“Go pack your things, Ethan,” I said.

Ethan and I walked back to the house in complete silence. I unlocked the door and let us in. My hands were still shaking, but I stayed calm. I had to.

He dropped his keys on the table and glanced at me nervously. “I’ll pack my things,” he muttered.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

I didn’t respond. I just followed him with my eyes as he slowly moved around the room, opening drawers, pulling clothes from the closet, stuffing them carelessly into his bag.

I leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching every motion. I wanted to burn this image into my memory—so I would never forget what betrayal looked like.

Ethan zipped up the duffel bag and stood still for a moment before turning to face me.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

They say money can’t buy love, but my ex’s new wife thought a $1,000 prom dress could win my daughter’s heart. She mocked me in front of my girl and tried to prove she was better. But in the end, the only thing she walked away with was regret… and everyone saw it.

I’m April, and it has been six years since the divorce papers were signed. My ex-husband Mark moved on quickly. He found himself a shiny new wife named Cassandra who talks like she’s perpetually addressing a board meeting and treats kindness like it’s a limited resource she’s hoarding for special occasions.

Grayscale shot of a man holding a wealthy woman’s hands and looking at her | Source: Pexels
Grayscale shot of a man holding a wealthy woman’s hands and looking at her | Source: Pexels

Our daughter Lily is 17 now, all limbs and dreams and that particular brand of teenager wisdom that makes you wonder how someone so young can see the world so clearly.

She’s graduating this spring, heading off to college in the fall, and somewhere between algebra homework and her part-time job at the local bookstore, she’d fallen in love with a dress.

“Mom, look at this! It would look lovely… for my prom!” she said one evening, shoving her phone in my face while I was elbow-deep in dinner prep. The screen showed a satin gown with delicate beading that caught the light like scattered stars. It was stunning. It was also $1,000… something I couldn’t afford.

A stunning gown displayed on a mannequin in a store | Source: Unsplash
A stunning gown displayed on a mannequin in a store | Source: Unsplash

I felt my stomach drop the way it always does when numbers don’t add up in my favor. Two jobs keep the lights on and food in the fridge, but they don’t leave much room for dreams that cost a thousand dollars.

“It’s gorgeous, sweetheart,” I managed, wiping my hands on my apron. “Really beautiful.”

Lily’s face fell just slightly… the way kids’ faces do when they realize their parents are about to disappoint them but they’re trying to be mature about it.

“I know it’s expensive,” she said with a heavy sigh. “I was just… looking.”

A sad teenage girl lying on the couch and looking at her phone | Source: Freepik
A sad teenage girl lying on the couch and looking at her phone | Source: Freepik

That night, after Lily went to bed, I sat at my kitchen table staring at that dress on her phone.

The beading, the way the fabric draped, and the cut of the neckline… I’d seen dresses like this before. My mother had taught me to sew when I was younger than Lily, back when making clothes wasn’t some cute hobby, but just how we got by.

***

The next morning, I knocked on Lily’s bedroom door.

“What if I made you something similar, sweetheart?” I asked, still in my pajamas, the ceramic coffee mug warming my hands. “I mean, really similar. We could pick out the fabric together… and design it exactly how you want.”

A woman holding a ceramic cup and looking down | Source: Pexels
A woman holding a ceramic cup and looking down | Source: Pexels

Lily sat up in bed, her hair messy and eyes skeptical. “Mom, that’s… that’s a lot of work. And what if it doesn’t look right?”

“Then we’ll make it look right!” I said, surprising myself with how confident I sounded. “Your grandmother always said the best dresses are made with love, not money.”

She was quiet for a long moment, then smiled and pulled me into a hug.

“Okay! Let’s do it!”

A delighted girl hugging her mother | Source: Freepik
A delighted girl hugging her mother | Source: Freepik

Over the next few weeks, our evenings turned into a routine — spreading fabric swatches across the living room floor, sketching designs, juggling homework, and laughing at how over-the-top my ideas kept getting.

Lily wanted simple elegance…. something that would make her feel confident without trying too hard. We settled on a soft pink fabric that shimmered when it moved, with a fitted bodice and flowing skirt that would dance when she did.

I ordered the fabric online, used my credit card, and tried not to think about the balance.

Every night after my second job, I’d come home and sew. My fingers remembered the rhythm of the machine even after all these years.

A woman stitching a dress using a sewing machine | Source: Pexels
A woman stitching a dress using a sewing machine | Source: Pexels

Lily would sit with me sometimes, doing homework or just talking about her day.

“I love watching you work,” she said one Thursday evening, looking up from her history textbook. “You get this look on your face, like everything else disappears.”

“That’s because it does!” I told her, adjusting the bodice seam. “When I’m making something for you, nothing else matters, dear.”

A cheerful teenage girl sitting on the floor and smiling | Source: Freepik
A cheerful teenage girl sitting on the floor and smiling | Source: Freepik

Three weeks in, the dress was finally finished.

Lily tried it on for the first time on a Sunday afternoon, and I nearly cried. The fabric brought out the spark in her eyes, and the cut made her look like the young woman she was becoming instead of the little girl she used to be.

“Mom,” she whispered, turning in front of my bedroom mirror. “It’s… it’s beautiful. I feel like a princess.”

“You look like one too,” I said, and I meant every word.

A mother kissing her daughter on the forehead | Source: Freepik
A mother kissing her daughter on the forehead | Source: Freepik

Then Cassandra showed up unannounced.

It was the night before prom, and I was putting the finishing touches on Lily’s dress when I heard heels clicking up our front walkway. Through the window, I saw Cassandra — perfectly styled hair, designer handbag, and a white garment bag draped over her arm like she was carrying the crown jewels.

I opened the door before she could knock, already feeling defensive.

“Cassandra? What brings you here?”

She smiled, fidgeting with her pearl strings. “I have something for Lily. A little surprise!”

A wealthy woman fidgeting with pearl strings | Source: Pexels
A wealthy woman fidgeting with pearl strings | Source: Pexels

Lily appeared at the top of the stairs, drawn by the voices. “Oh, hey Cassandra. What’s up?”

“Come down here, sweetie,” Cassandra called, her voice suddenly sugary. “I have something that’s going to make your prom absolutely perfect.”

Lily descended slowly, curiosity written across her face. Cassandra unzipped the garment bag with theatrical flair, revealing the exact dress Lily had shown me weeks ago — the $1,000 satin gown with the star-like beading.

A shocked woman | Source: Pexels
A shocked woman | Source: Pexels

“Surprise!” Cassandra announced, holding the dress up like she’d just solved world hunger. “Now you can go to prom in style instead of wearing whatever your mom cobbled together.”

The words hit me like a slap. I felt my face burn, but Lily’s reaction surprised me. Instead of jumping up and down with excitement, she went very still.

“Wow! That’s… that’s the dress I showed Mom.”

A surprised young lady | Source: Freepik
A surprised young lady | Source: Freepik

“I know!” Cassandra beamed. “Your friend Jessica mentioned you’d been talking about it at school. She also mentioned your mom was trying to make you something homemade.”

The way she said “homemade” made it sound like a dirty word.

“I thought you deserved better than some amateur sewing project,” Cassandra continued, looking directly at me now. “Lily should have the best, don’t you think? Not some knockoff!”

Lily took the dress from Cassandra’s hands, running her fingers over the beading I’d spent weeks trying to replicate with sequins and patience.

“It’s beautiful. Really beautiful. Thank you.”

Close-up shot of a shimmery fabric with sequins | Source: Pexels
Close-up shot of a shimmery fabric with sequins | Source: Pexels

Cassandra’s smile widened. “I knew you’d love it. Mark transferred the money this morning… he wanted to make sure his daughter had everything she needed for such an important night.”

The implication stung. Mark’s money. His generosity. And his ability to provide what I couldn’t.

“Well,” I interrupted, “that’s very thoughtful.”

“Oh, and Lily,” Cassandra added, turning back to my daughter, “I’ve already posted on social media about how excited I am to see you in your dream dress on prom night. I tagged all my friends… they’re dying to see the photos.”

After Cassandra left, Lily and I stood in the living room, speechless.

A woman walking away | Source: Pexels
A woman walking away | Source: Pexels

“Mom,” Lily started, but I held up my hand.

“It’s okay, sweetheart,” I said, though it wasn’t. “It’s your choice. Wear whatever makes you happy.”

Lily looked between the store-bought dress and the stairs leading to her room, where my handmade creation waited.

“I need to think,” she said, and disappeared upstairs.

***

That following evening, I helped Lily get ready without asking which dress she’d chosen. I did her hair in soft curls, helped with her makeup, and tried to keep my hands from shaking as I fastened her necklace.

A woman adding touch up to a young lady’s face | Source: Pexels
A woman adding touch up to a young lady’s face | Source: Pexels

“Mom,” she said, turning to face me. “I want you to know that I love you. I love what you made for me. I love that you stayed up every night working on it. I love that you cared enough to try.”

My heart ached. “I love you too, sweetheart.”

When Lily walked downstairs 20 minutes later, she was wearing the dress I’d made. The one I’d sewn with tired fingers and a hopeful heart. The one that fit her perfectly because I’d made it specifically for her body, personality, and dreams.

“Oh my God! You look… beautiful! I said, my eyes misting as I watched my girl descend the stairs like a princess.

A girl wearing a soft pink gown | Source: Freepik
A girl wearing a soft pink gown | Source: Freepik

“Are you sure, honey?” I asked, caught between joy and disbelief.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything, Mom!” She smiled, then held out her phone. “Look what Cassandra posted.”

On the screen was a photo of the dress, still in the bag and the caption:

“Can’t wait to see my girl in her dream dress tonight! 💅🏻”

“Yeah… she’s in for a surprise!” Lily said, and hugged me tight. “Can you drop me off at school tonight?”

“Sure, sweetie. Sure!”

A woman cupping her delighted daughter’s face | Source: Freepik
A woman cupping her delighted daughter’s face | Source: Freepik

When we pulled up near the school gym entrance, we saw Cassandra. She was dressed like she was attending a gala, surrounded by two perfectly curated friends, scanning the crowd.

“Oh God,” Lily muttered under her breath. “Of course she showed up.”

We parked, and Lily touched up her lip gloss using the side mirror. She stepped out of the car, and that’s when Cassandra spotted her.

“Lily??” Cassandra’s face fell. “That’s NOT the dress I got you.”

My daughter stopped, cool as ice. “Nope! I wore the one my mom made!”

A shaken woman | Source: Pexels
A shaken woman | Source: Pexels

“WHAT?? Cassandra blinked, flustered. “But why?”

“Because I don’t choose based on price tags. I choose based on love. And my mom? She already gave me everything I needed.”

“Lily! Get back here. How dare you?”

“Have a nice night, Cassandra!”

And just like that, my daughter turned and walked into the school, heels clicking against the concrete, her head held high. I sat frozen in the car, my heart swelling with pride I thought it might give out.

Silhouette of a young lady wearing a stunning gown | Source: Pexels
Silhouette of a young lady wearing a stunning gown | Source: Pexels

Prom night passed in a blur of photos and proud tears. Lily looked radiant, and more importantly, she looked happy and confident.

The next morning, I woke up to my phone buzzing with notifications. Lily had posted a photo from prom on her social media — she and her friends, all smiles and flowing dresses, but the caption made my heart literally stop:

“Couldn’t afford the $1,000 dress I wanted, so my mom made this one by hand. She worked on it every night after her two jobs, and I’ve never felt more beautiful or more loved. Sometimes the most expensive thing isn’t the most valuable thing. Love doesn’t have a price tag!”

The post had hundreds of likes and comments. People sharing their own stories about handmade prom dresses, about mothers who sacrificed, and the difference between cost and value.

A woman holding her phone | Source: Pexels
A woman holding her phone | Source: Pexels

But the best part came two days later, when Lily showed me a message she’d received from Cassandra:

“Since you didn’t wear the dress I bought, I’m sending your mother a bill for $1,000. Clearly the dress went to waste, and someone needs to pay for it.”

Lily screenshotted the message and replied: “You can’t return love like a dress that didn’t fit. My mom already gave me everything I needed. You can have your dress back… I didn’t wear it, and it wasn’t worth my time or attention.”

Cassandra blocked Lily on social media that same day. Mark called later, apologizing for his wife’s behavior, but the damage was done.

A man talking on the phone | Source: Pexels
A man talking on the phone | Source: Pexels

I framed Lily’s prom photo and hung it in our hallway, right next to a picture of my mother teaching me to sew when I was eight years old. Every morning when I leave for work, I see both pictures and remember that some things can’t be bought.

Lily starts college in three months. She’s taking the dress with her… not for parties, but because, as she told me, “The best things in life are made with love, not money!”

And me? I’m thinking about taking up sewing again. Turns out, creating something beautiful with your own hands is worth more than any price tag could ever say.

Because love isn’t something you can purchase off a rack. It’s something you stitch together, one careful thread at a time, until it fits perfectly around the people who matter most.

A woman sewing a dress | Source: Pexels
A woman sewing a dress | Source: Pexels

Here’s another story: My son spent months making the perfect wedding dress for my sister. She banned him from the ceremony but wanted to keep the gown. She had no idea what we’d planned in return.

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

At just thirteen, Laura wowed everyone on “The Voice Kids” with her amazing talent. Her performance was so captivating that it touched the hearts of everyone who saw it.

With boldness and audacity, Laura chose Whitney Houston’s classic “I Will Always Love You” as her canvas for expression. Some might find this daring for someone so young, considering the song’s emotional depth and mature themes. However, Laura fearlessly tackled the challenge, infusing the iconic piece with her own soul-stirring interpretation, captivating both judges and audience alike.

Laura’s performance recording quickly became a source of hope and inspiration, captivating more than 130 million viewers globally. As she navigates the entertainment world, Laura serves as a symbol of the limitless potential within us all, guiding future dreamers and visionaries with her shining example.

People can’t seem to agree whether the cost should be left to the bride or if the bridesmaids should pay their own way.

Irish people have been left divided over who should pay for bridesmaid dresses
Some brides don’t think they should pay for their bridesmaids dresses but others disagree
Taking to the Help! I’m Getting Married Facebook group, where people preparing for the big day can ask questions, get advice and chat wedding tips, one woman said: “I’m a bit confused do the bridesmaids pay for their dresses or does the bride pay?”

Many have pointed out that the bride should pay, as it was she who selected her bridesmaids for the big day.

One person said: “Bride and groom pay for everything for the wedding party.”

Another agreed and said: “My bridesmaids aren’t paying for a thing. I asked them so they shouldn’t be expected to.”

A third simply said: “Definitely the bride.”

Others went above and beyond, pointing out that the bride should also pay for hotel rooms for their bridesmaids on the night of the wedding alongside the price of getting their hair and makeup done.

One said: “Paying for everything, hair makeup, dresses, and rooms, don’t want them to spend on anything that’s needed, I’ve gift boxes for the morning that will have their jewellery and hair accessories in too.”

A second bride-to-be said: “I’m paying for my bridesmaids’ dresses, hair, makeup, bags and jewellery and the girls will get their own shoes.”

A third added: “I had three bridesmaids and I paid for everything. Dresses, shoes, bags, jewellery and hair and makeup and I paid for the hotel stay the night before the wedding because we were getting married in the hotel.”

Others pointed out that there are “no rules” and it’s up to the bride and her bridesmaids to decide.

One said: “There are no rules, as long as everyone knows from the start where they stand. It’s all down to what your budget is.

“We paid for our bridesmaids dresses, hair, make up and room for the night, also gift of jewellery.”

BRIDESMAIDS BUYING THEIR OWN
One pointed out that the rules seem to differ by country but in Ireland, it normally down to the bride to pick up the cost of bridesmaids’ dresses.

She said: “Here in Ireland the bride pays. I’ve been in five weddings in the US and had to pay for my dress, shoes, hair, makeup, etc. But that doesn’t seem to be done here.”

Others disagreed and said bridesmaids should pay for their own dresses as brides already face demanding bills and huge stress over their big day.

One said: “My sister in law is having eight bridesmaids we are paying for our own dresses.”

Another said: “My bridesmaids are buying their own dresses as I just told them the colour of the dress and they pick the one they love, they show me.”

She joked: “I don’t want three flower vases as bridesmaids.”

CONSUMMATING WEDDING VOWS
Meanwhile, newlyweds are all saying the same thing after a curious bride-to-be posed an intimate wedding night question.

The anonymous bride wondered if couples preparing for their wedding day planned to consummate their vows on the night.

And many of the respondents had the exact same response to her query.

On the same Facebook page, the bride’s question was: “Do any of you brides actually plan on consummating your wedding on your wedding night?

‘I PLAN ON SLEEPING’
“I have my mum in the next room and my sisters on the other side,
I asked my hubby to be and he replied babe (you will probably) wake up in (your) dress, 19 years together and he never fails to shock me.”

The questions attracted similar responses, with one user writing: “I plan on sleeping…

“We’ve talked about it and said listen, it’s gonna be a long day so if we don’t do it on our wedding night, we’ll do it the next morning.”

Another said: “I told my fiancé if we don’t, we’re getting an annulment. But in reality we’ll probably both just pass out.”

Many explained that due to the fact the day itself is an incredibly long affair, sleep is often the only appealing option, with one saying: “We went to bed at half five in the morning in our clothes..so no!”

There are people out there whose reckless driving puts other drivers in danger, whether they are texting or talking on the phone while driving, intoxicated, driving too fast, or simply disobeying the law.

Sadly, these motorists are more likely to be responsible for fatal incidents.

After their family dog was killed, one family decided that enough was enough of the reckless driving and speeding in their neighbourhood, so they decided to put up a giant sign on their lawn that had everyone talking, especially because many saw it as a threat.

”We buried our dog last week because you won’t slow down,” the sign read. “If you hit 1 of my kids your family may be burying you.”

Initially shared on Reddit, the sign shot was rapidly reposted on Facebook and other social media platforms.

Within a short period of time, the post caught the interest of many people and started a discussion about the propriety of the late dog owners’ controversial sign placement.

”I never understand why people speed through neighborhoods…or parking lots. Seriously…what’s the logic in that?” one user commented. ”Love the sign. People drive way too fast in neighborhoods. More than 20 is to fast. Kids on bikes. Kids playing in their own yard and a ball goes in the street, it happens. So why is there this problem. Well it’s because people are f**king idiots. Plain and simple,” another user added.

”Damn straight! One of my dogs got away from me and the woman who ran over him didn’t even slow down. Just ran over him. Same could happen to a child,” a third commented.

Others criticised those who put up the sign, claiming they ought to have cared for their dog better. They suspected the owners let it roam freely rather than keeping it on a leash because it was hit by a car.

”I don’t feel sorry for them one bit. Have the same problem in my neighborhood. Everyone thinks it is free range country for dogs and cats. My dogs do not leave my property without my permission,” one reader wrote.

”Keep your dog on a leash! If you cared about your fur friend you would take better care of them,” said another.

”Speeding is bad, but your dog and kids are your responsibility to keep them out of the street,” yet another added.

What are your thoughts on this?

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Challenge: Can you solve this math problem for middle schoolers – without a calculator?

Classic brain training methods are perhaps puzzles like crosswords or sudoku, but I have recently become more attracted to the type of challenge you’ll see below.

These puzzles have been flooding the web lately, probably because they are really fun!

These are old classic mathematical problems. When you were in middle or high school.

These math problems are more fun when you find yourself trying to remember the math you learned as a child.

Can you figure out the correct solution?
Here is the challenge, in the picture below.

At the top of the picture, we see the task and then four possible answers.

Which solution do you think is the correct one?

How did you come up with it?

Take your time and think about it to find the correct solution.

Done? Below you can check if you picked the right number!

A

B

C

The correct answer
The correct answer is B: 12.

Why is 12 the correct answer?

Well, if you remember from your school days, according to the order of operations, you do multiplication before addition and subtraction, so you start by solving 3 x 3, which results in 9.

Then we are left with a simpler math problem: 3 + 9 – 3 + 3

The answer is therefore 12.

Did you pick the correct number? Congratulations!

SO FAR NO ONE HAS FOUND THE NUMBER INSIDE THE EYE, NO WINNER YET

In Cornwall, England, residents are no strangers to the state of their roads. However, one anonymous individual recently took matters into their own hands and filled a giant pothole on Tanhouse Road and Bodmin Hill in Lostwithiel with cement.

While their DIY repair provided temporary relief, it ultimately led to a kerfuffle between the unidentified motorist, the Cornwall Council, and road repair company Cormac.

The road had been officially closed at the beginning of April due to ongoing drainage issues. But after a month of government inactivity, the frustrated motorist decided to tackle the problem themselves over the first weekend in May. As a result, the road was briefly reopened, only to be closed again by Cormac, who insisted that their team needed to carry out the repairs officially.

Now, Cornwall Highways is on a mission to find the individual responsible for this unauthorized repair. They have expressed their desire for information about the motorist to be shared with the community. Meanwhile, Colin Martin, the Cornwall councilor for Lanreath and Lostwithiel, sees the pothole as a vivid representation of the overall deterioration in the public sector due to underinvestment.

According to Mr. Martin, the road closure will remain in effect until Cormac completes the repairs, which could take weeks since their teams are currently focused on filling smaller potholes on open roads. He also criticizes the budget cuts for road maintenance made by the Conservatives running Cornwall Council in recent years, resulting in a surge of potholes across the county.

This incident of a citizen taking matters into their own hands reminds us of a similar situation in 2017, when a Toronto resident built a set of park stairs for a community garden at a fraction of the estimated cost provided by the city. However, the city did not respond favorably to this independent initiative. Find out more about their reaction in the following section.

In the realm of mind-bending puzzles and brain teasers, few challenges captivate our curiosity quite like the enigmatic query: “Who Is Still Alive?” This riddle, poised to test the depths of our perceptiveness and logic, beckons us to scrutinize details and unleash our deductive prowess. Embark with us on a journey into the heart of this perplexing conundrum, where every clue holds significance and every observation is a potential revelation.

The Significance of A Riddle
Amidst the pursuit of solutions lies a deeper significance—a testament to the power of mental agility and cognitive fortitude. Brain teasers, such as the one before us, serve as exercises for the mind, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They invite us to challenge the boundaries of our perception and explore the depths of our intellect.

In a world inundated with distractions, nurturing our mental faculties becomes paramount. While a balanced diet sustains our physical health, engaging in activities that stimulate the mind is equally essential. Brain teasers offer a gateway to mental rejuvenation, providing a respite from the mundane and a playground for intellectual exploration.

Whether you’re a seasoned puzzler or a novice enthusiast, the allure of the unknown beckons to us all. Embrace the challenge before you, for within its depths lie the keys to unlocking untold mysteries. Sharpen your wits, hone your instincts, and embark on a journey into the realm of the mind—a journey where every twist and turn brings you closer to enlightenment.

The Challenge Unveiled
Behold the image before you, a tableau shrouded in mystery. Amidst the pixels and hues, lies a puzzle waiting to be unraveled. Can you discern the subtle nuances that reveal the answer to the age-old question: Who Is Still Alive?

The riddle
The riddle at hand transcends mere observation; it demands keen perception and analytical acumen. Each element within the image serves as a breadcrumb, guiding you along the path toward illumination. But beware of the pitfalls of presumption, for the answer may elude those who approach with haste.

Unlocking the Mystery
With bated breath and furrowed brow, you venture forth into the labyrinth of clues. Every deduction brings you closer to the heart of the mystery, yet each revelation unveils new layers of complexity. Will you emerge victorious, armed with the truth, or will the enigma persist, taunting your intellect with its elusive nature?

But, here is the answer: PERSON A

The riddle solution
It is the person A because there is blood under the table. A dead body at a morgue will not have blood still flowing out. So did you get the answer correct? Let us know in the comments!

Ticks. Just the thought of them gives most people the creeps, and for good reason. These tiny creatures may be annoying and invasive, but what’s worse is that they can carry dangerous diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. So, if you happen to find a tick inside your home, it’s important to take immediate action.

Identifying and Taking Control
The first step is to identify the type of tick you’re dealing with. It could be a black-legged tick, a dog tick, or a brown dog tick. Once you know what kind of tick it is, take the necessary precautions to ensure that it doesn’t spread. Keep your children and pets away from the area until the tick is taken care of.

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
To protect yourself from ticks, it’s important to take some simple, yet effective, steps. Wear gloves and long-sleeved clothing to cover your skin. This will reduce the chances of a tick latching onto you.

Thoroughly Clean Your Home
Ticks can hide in clothing, bedding, and even in the cracks and corners of your home. So, it’s crucial to thoroughly clean any areas or items that the tick has come into contact with. Wash your clothes and bedding on high heat to kill any ticks that may be hiding. Vacuum the affected area, paying special attention to crevices and corners.

Safe Tick Removal
If you find a tick attached to your skin, don’t panic. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Slowly and steadily pull upwards, making sure not to twist or jerk. This will prevent the tick’s head from breaking off and remaining in your skin. After removing the tick, clean the bite area with alcohol or soapy water. You can dispose of the tick by submerging it in alcohol or flushing it down the toilet.

Monitor the Bite and Seek Help
It’s important to monitor any bite sites that you find, as well as the person who has been bitten. Look out for symptoms such as a rash, fever, or muscle aches. If you notice any unusual symptoms or if the bite area becomes infected, seek medical attention immediately.

Stay Safe and Informed
Ticks may be small, but they can cause big problems. By taking the necessary steps to remove and prevent ticks, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers they pose. Share this article on Facebook to spread the message and help others stay safe.