DEAR ABBY: The daughter of a friend is getting married and sent an email announcement with a link to watch a livestream of the ceremony. I have never been invited to NOT attend an event before, and frankly, my feelings are hurt. (My husband was an incredible artist. Should I send a livestream of others enjoying his work in person?)

Does etiquette require I send a wedding gift? I would’ve understood not being invited if they were keeping it a small affair, but inviting a widow to witness a friend’s emotional, romantic moment in the solitude of her home seems cruel. Am I out of touch with what is socially acceptable? – NOT GOING IN TEXAS

DEAR NOT GOING: If the wedding is being held some distance from where you live, then the invitation to livestream was probably an attempt to be considerate. Today, many meaningful events are livestreamed, including funerals and memorials. If you would find watching the ceremony depressing and prefer not to “tune in,” then don’t do it. And, no, you are not REQUIRED to send a gift. (A sweet e-card congratulating the couple would be a nice gesture.)

DEAR ABBY: My brother is married to a very nice woman. It’s the second marriage for both, and they both work, although they do not handle money well. They have traveled to family events and ended up running out of money for meals, car rentals, etc.

My sister-in-law heard about a girls trip my daughters-in-law, a few close friends and I will be taking. She has invited herself along, and I don’t know how to politely tell her she can’t come unless she has the money up front to pay her share. It would kill me to hurt her feelings. Please advise. – RESPONSIBLE LADY OUT WEST

DEAR LADY: Who has paid for the food and car rentals that this couple didn’t have the money to cover? Were those relatives ever reimbursed? Unless you want to foot the bill for your SIL on this trip (to which she has invited herself), you’ll have to summon up the courage to tell her you will under no circumstances be doing that. If her feelings are hurt when you state the obvious (that you are not a pushover), so be it.