Dear Engaged Friend

Dear Engaged Friend,

First and foremost, please know that I’m so happy for you on your engagement. Even though I’m single and davening to meet my bashert, I don’t feel an ounce of jealousy or resentment toward you. I understand that we’re on separate paths, and life isn’t a race to the finish line. You’re my good friend, and I’m overjoyed to see you move on to this next exciting chapter.

However, before you get married, we have your engagement period to get through. I say “we” because I, as your close single friend, am expected to play an important emotional and financial role throughout your engagement.

It began before the actual engagement, when your friends and I decorated your room. This involved an online order of party goods. We snuck into your room as your chassan proposed to you, and set it up with decorations. Hours later, we squealed and screamed as you entered your house.

Now that the l’chayim is behind us, the festivities continue with the vort. Your friends and I will chip in toward an engagement present — usually a sizable gift certificate toward a housewares store.