I can't stop thinking about an AP article I read today about how a jilted bride-to-be dealt with her situation. After discovering her fiance and boyfriend of four years was cheating on her, she called off the wedding, fired the band, the caterers, etc., She found, however, that she was unable to get a refund on the rooms and reception space. But instead of losing out on the money, she and her mother turned the reception into a charity event (!) One of my first thoughts after reading this story was of my own pessimism and inability to deal with tough situations effectively. My goal in life is to be optimistic, unselfish and an effective problem solver even in the midst of crises. And I think this story is such a great example of those qualities. My next thought was a question of how I would've dealt with this situation if I were her. I can't help but think that at best, I would end up holding a party in place of the reception, but a small one - for my girlfriends. That would be my way of saving face and getting my mind off things. But then again, you only need to save face for people that think badly of you. I'm not one to save face because of the contempt I have for people that think badly of me and I don't care what they think. Furthermore, I know that people just think about themselves most of the time anyway. I really think (and this is what makes me sad about myself and so amazed with this story) that I would've just argued with the hotel people, written a few letters to try and get my money back, but ultimately I would've just cut my losses and tried to move on, embittered to the extreme - no doubt. I certainly wouldn't have been able to maintain a charitable mindset towards others in the midst of all my personal pain. Then my next thought was about what an idiot the groom is. He cheated on her despite how amazing she is. Men, (not ALL) are SO stupid. Even I'd marry her just so that her influence would make me a better person. But my last thought -- the thought that made me want to post this blog -- was that this is a universal story. The bride's brand of strength and wisdom in dealing with her situation could be emulated by anyone in any challenging or painful situation. Anyway - read below: (it's short)

VERGENNES, Vt. - A woman who learned six weeks before her wedding that her fiance was cheating on her is turning her would-be reception into a charity benefit.
“I’m really just trying to turn it around and make something positive out of it,” said Kyle Paxman.
Paxman, 29, had planned to celebrate her nuptials at the Basin Harbor Club on Lake Champlain on Saturday. When she found out about her fiance, she called off the 180-guest wedding and the four-year relationship.
She and her mother canceled the band, photographer and florist, but learned they would not be reimbursed for the reception and block of rooms they had reserved. So they turned the reception into a benefit for the Vermont Children’s Aid Society and CARE USA, an international relief organization that aims to combat poverty by empowering women.
They sent out invitations to 125 women for drinks and a gourmet four-course dinner. In exchange, they hope the guests will make donations to the charities.
She and her mother canceled the band, photographer and florist, but learned they would not be reimbursed for the reception and block of rooms they had reserved. So they turned the reception into a benefit for the Vermont Children’s Aid Society and CARE USA, an international relief organization that aims to combat poverty by empowering women.
They sent out invitations to 125 women for drinks and a gourmet four-course dinner. In exchange, they hope the guests will make donations to the charities.