They'll be far less troubled if the reception is not lavish. Especially for a young couple starting out, an earnest and unpretentious bash, even a potluck or picnic, is far more engaging than an overblown show for a favored few. Inviting everyone, Ms. Mentor concludes, is the only professional thing for Freda to do. Academics do have hearts, and tummies. Wanda should never go about attributing her success to mere luck.
Women do that much too often.
I am magnificent. Being a poster child for high self-esteem is good. Few men worry about the feelings of Lucy or Larry Loser. When Wanda wants to exult, she should do so only with non-competitors. That's why every academic must have at least some normal, non-academic friends and family members.