Working Girl's Guide #17: Charging guests for weddings and hard launching my boyfriend

Charging your wedding guests for their attendance, Gemini is on the outs, I’m hard launching my relationship, and Ross and I are debating the merits of an MBA.

Let’s get into it.

Wedding Too Expensive? Try Charging Your Guests!

This is relevant because (as you’ll see) I CAN’T stop going to weddings — but I’m happy to report none of the weddings I’ve recently attended have CHARGED me to attend, which is apparently becoming a thing. One groom is charging $450 per head, and is frustrated that none of his guests have RSVPd yes (umm..). NOT demure, NOT mindful.

Hate for Gemini

Did anyone else watch that Gemini ad during the Olympics (you know the one: the little girl wants to write a fan letter to track star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, but really AI writes the whole letter)? I found that ad weirdly dystopian, personally, and apparently I’m not alone: backlash, including claims that the ad celebrates lazy parenting and the creation of a world in which kids don’t learn to write, has led Google to turn off comments for the ad on YouTube.

Realtor Fees Are Out (Sort of)

Anyone getting ready to buy a house? In this economy? Good for you! YSK: the National Association of Realtors, which was responsible for 5-6% commission rates for home sales, just got put in its place: now, it’s up to the buyer and the broker to negotiate compensation before the broker even shows a house at all. And the terms are up to them: a flat fee, a lower rate, access to the pool (ok, that one probably won’t fly).

I CANNOT stop going to weddings. It's an illness, a disease, an addiction. You’ll all be very proud to know I did not insist on trying the bride’s wedding ring moments after it was placed on her finger!! Oh and here's a pic of me and my BOYFRIEND! Working Girls Gals get the hard launch!

For those of you who’ve been following along, this fit marks probably the first time I’ve worn something besides a workout fit to the grocery store/out for errands/casually during the day. I’m growing up okay???! But seriously, I get SO many compliments on these shorts, and they’re at least as comfy as spandex!

August = prepping for fall, which means I’m all about freshening up my space to 1. make room for fall trends (hello brown suede) and 2. just embrace the newness of September (yes I was that middle schooler who spent hours picking out new pencil cases and writing my name on every single pen). But let’s be real: deep cleaning every nook and cranny is simply not happening. I’ve definitely just shoved things into random drawers and called it "organized" more times than I’d like to admit. Sooo I’m adding a two-minute tidy into my daily routine. The idea is to set a timer for just two minutes and tackle whatever small task you can (think clearing off one counter, folding one pile of clothes, folding up summer clothes to put away for the season, etc.). It sounds almost too easy, but it's crazy how much better my space feels when I break it down into tiny chunks like that. Not saying I’ll be scrubbing baseboards anytime soon, but at least the chaos feels more under control, and I don’t spend my entire waking life cleaning.

This week on the pod, we’re talking about business school, including Ross’s experience as a genuine attendee of Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, plus my informal attendance, which included sneaking into class and participating in international travel. We also get into work/life management tips, the DL on Stanford’s “touchy feely” class (yes, it’s real), and a listener-submitted story about a bridesmaid who hooked up with the bride’s brother (juicy!!!). Listen here.

Thanks for reading!