At 70, I rarely put on makeup or wear elaborate gowns. But when my granddaughter asked me to her wedding, I wanted to feel attractive again. I chose a wonderful dress, fixed my hair, and spent hours applying cosmetics. I thought I looked radiant, but when I arrived, everyone stared.

My granddaughter drew me aside, visibly ashamed. “Grandma,” she said nervously, “you look ridiculous. “You need to change.” I felt as if the ground had been torn out from beneath me. Rather than staying, I departed in tears.

Later, she called to apologize. She said she had overreacted and that her worry over the wedding had caused her to lash out. I’m not sure I’ll be able to forgive her, and I’m so ashamed that I can’t picture attending any more family events.