At 70, I don’t usually wear makeup or fancy dresses. But when my granddaughter invited me to her wedding, I wanted to feel beautiful again. I spent hours on my appearance, picking out a lovely dress, styling my hair, and applying makeup. I thought I looked radiant, but when I arrived, everyone stared.
To my shock, my granddaughter pulled me aside and said, “Grandma, you look ridiculous. You need to change.” It felt like the world had crumbled beneath me, and I left the event in tears.
Later, she called to apologize, admitting her stress over the wedding had made her lash out. She expressed regret for her harsh words and actions.
Despite her apology, I still feel deeply hurt and embarrassed. I’m unsure how to face family gatherings now, as I can’t shake the feeling of shame.