Ethics - Return of the Long Wait

Question: As a regular reader of your column in Ohrnet I was very pleased with your piece in the Shmot edition entitled "The Long Wait" which dealt with the discomfort caused to wedding guests by the long time spent by the chatan and kallah in the yichud room before giving them an opportunity to dance in their honor. Some of my friends have criticized me, however, for approving of your attitude because, they argue, the wedding is for the sake of the newlyweds and they are entitled to take their time. What is the right thing to do in responding to them?

Answer: Tell them that it is heartening to know that there are people with such sensitivity. But point out that you think it would be a wonderful way to start a marriage by showing consideration for the guests ? a sense of caring for others which will hopefully carry over into properly caring for each other.

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