We all have one. The friend who you love to death, but somehow manages to rain on your parade in whatever you choose to do.

I am an oddity amongst my circle of female friends. At the practically ancient age of twenty-six I am showing no sign of wanting to settle down and have two point four children with Mr. Right. Whilst many I grew up with have come to the end of their second marriages by now I havent even been in a serious relationship for four years. And Im loving it.

Not so with a friend of mine, who for the sake of diplomacy shall be known as Jane. She jumps from relationship to relationship, assessing each partner on his long term prospects in the desperate hope of a wedding ring before she turns thirty. Im not sure if a meteor is going to hit the earth after that point, or if the ticking of her body clock is going to cause her to explode, but her attitude breathes a level of desperation that Im surprised hasnt scared away every man in a five-mile radius. Which is a shame. No, really. Despite her somewhat archaic views on women needing to be married Jane is a good friend and entertaining to be with if youre female.

Things are not so good however, if you are Kate, another long-term friend of mine. She is soon to make the leap and walk down the aisle with Simon, or she would be if she wasnt worrying about Jane. For in a moment of stupidity she decided to make the supposedly unpardonable sin of asking Jane and me to be her bridesmaids.

Now, of course Jane could have said no, but not wanting to offend Kate she didnt. So for the past few weeks I have had to endure dress fittings to the following soundtrack.

But I look fat in this. Ill never attract a man dressed in peach.

Its okay for you, you have a fianc. Im going to die sad and alone.

I want children.

Now Im a patient woman. Im not a great believer in happily ever after myself, but I know one rule for sure. A wedding is about two people, and those two alone. The role of a bridesmaid is to support the bride, not bemoan her own lack of luck in relationships. So far Kate has been a star but even I can tell her temper is wearing thin.

So let me say this, next time anyone out there wants to say those famous words, Always the bridesmaid never the bride, remember this. You have a friend who sees you as special enough to give you a pivotal role in what she sees as the greatest day in her whole life. Dont spoil it by your moans, just bite your tongue and let your friend have her day. And if that doesnt work for you, just think: you look more attractive when you smile.