Does maid of honor need a makeup makeover?

DEAR AMY: Ever since I was a child, I've wanted my cousin "Sandy" to be my maid of honor. Now I'm engaged, and she has happily agreed. I couldn't be happier, except for one problem. Since we were young, Sandy wears way too much makeup. Normally I don't have a problem with this, but for my wedding I want her to look more natural and to blend in with the other bridesmaids.

How can I broach this tactfully, or should I just get over it?Picky BrideDEAR PICKY: You could achieve some uniformity among your bridesmaids by hiring an artist to apply everyone's makeup. Explain to all that you are looking for a fairly natural and uniform look. Ask them to arrive with freshly scrubbed faces.

However, I'd like to make a pitch for letting some of your bridesmaids' quirks and personal style shine through.

It is fairly normal for brides to express their nervousness through being picky, but a bride can go too far. This can result in the bridesmaids resembling an army of pastel automatons. If your cousin has a tiny bit of Dolly Parton to her, then what's the harm?

DEAR AMY: I was shopping in the frozen-food area of a store and was blocking a little more than half of the aisle. A girl (around 11) loudly said, "Move it!" Her mom was right next to her. I was shocked and I moved my cart. The mom did not say anything. I said, "You should say, 'Excuse me,' not 'Move it,' " The mom responded, "I said 'excuse me' 10 times today and that does not work." I just walked away in total confusion. How should I have responded?Shocked Shopper

DEAR SHOCKED: In parenting, to a large extent you get what you give. This mother is locked into a lifelong relationship with someone who is learning that rudeness works. You did the right thing, including walking away.