Families will have to accept compromises

My brother and his girlfriend are ready to take their relationship to the next level. Her family comes from a culture rife with tradition, mostly unfamiliar to our family. But we’re happy to indulge and learn. Apparently, when a couple decides they want to get engaged, there is a large and formal meeting of the families.

- LISI TESHER

Certain foods are to be served, presents exchanged and issues discussed. Every member of the immediate families must be present.

Here’s where we run into issues. My sister (we’re four siblings) is out of the country and cannot return on the date set for this event. And some of the foods required are out of our comfort zone entirely. The event must occur at the woman’s family home.

Our parents are bending over backwards, cleaning up the backyard, setting up tables and renting a tent in case of inclement weather.

My parents are both cooking, and my other sibling and I are doing whatever we can to help.

We’re worried we’ll fail even before any conversation ensues due to my sister’s absence and the omission of that food we can’t offer. I don’t want to jeopardize my brother’s relationship, but this is overwhelming.