A mid-30s reader is trying to decide whether to invite their 13-year-old cousin with special needs to their upcoming child-free wedding, despite their parents' insistence on including her. The wedding, scheduled for late fall or early winter 2024, will be black-tie optional, and the reader is concerned that the cousin may not enjoy the event and could require significant care from family members. The reader’s mother supports the idea of a child-free wedding, with the exception of the fiancé’s niece, who will be a flower girl. The reader is unsure if it’s appropriate to invite the cousin’s uncle without the girl and is worried about their parents’ ability to entertain and support the cousin during the event. The advice columnist notes that while the reader has the right to make the final decision, they should consider the impact on family relationships and the experience of the young girl with a disability. In another letter, a vegan parent is struggling with their 11-year-old stepdaughter, who takes their food and refuses to eat what is provided for her. To address the issue, the parent has started cooking separately and limiting the stepdaughter’s access to the Wi-Fi as a form of discipline. However, this has led to significant tension in the household. The advice columnist recommends that the parent seek professional help for the stepdaughter and consider couples therapy to address deeper issues and develop a more unified approach to parenting. A third reader, who has a stutter, is concerned about stumbling over names during conversations, particularly those with difficult sounds, and is worried about being seen as disrespectful. They want to know how to handle such situations gracefully. The advice columnist reassures them that their concern is valid but notes that others are likely to understand their difficulty. Suggestions include taking a moment to process the name before speaking or using alternative ways to address the person if unsure, to avoid unnecessary stress.