IN some ways, life today seems a heck of a lot more complicated than it ever used to be.

And I’m not referring to the never-ending changing world we live in, no I’m talking about what used to be run of the mill occasions such as weddings, a funeral or a birthday party.

“You’ll come, won’t you Janice,” asked my friend Lynn.

"You’ve known Laura since she was a wee girl.”

Lynn was referring to her oldest daughter’s upcoming 21st birthday party which was being held in a rather posh local hotel.

To let you understand, Lynn had invited around 80 guests to the celebrations, which included two ex-husbands with their wives and children.

Scanning the long guest list with some trepidation, I assured my friend.

“I’d love to come, and I’m sure it'll be a great night.”

However, inwardly I surmised that perhaps the mix of two ex-husbands, their wives and Lynn’s new fiancé could well be a recipe for disaster.

“Oh, it’ll be no bother Janice,” Lynn declared.

“After all, we’re all adults and everyone has moved on with their lives."

On the run up to the big night however, Lynn seemed more concerned on how she looked than the birthday girls big day.

And who could blame her, because she was, in many ways, the centrepiece of the evening.

“Janice, I’m going to be in the same room as my two ex-husbands, their wives and my fiancé and his children.”

Lynn seemed to be getting rather nervous.

“So I do want to look my very best.”

On arrival at the party Lynn, having spared no expense, looked like a glamorous Hollywood wife.

Greeting guests, she kept me right as to who was who as I’d been out of the picture for quite some time.

“Here comes Laura’s dad, my first husband, with his new wife and their two children,” Lynn feigned a smile at the guests.

“Pleased to meet you, pleased to meet you, pleased to meet you……" I parroted.

Twenty minutes later and Lynn’s face was now rather flushed as she watched as her sons’ dad, husband number two, arrived with his wife and their children.

And horror of horror, wife number two was wearing the exact same royal blue dress as Lynn, only a couple of sizes smaller.

“You look so much better than her,” I overheard insincere guests attempt to assure the hostess.

Seated around a very large round top table, Lynn attempted to do the introductions.

“I’m Laura and Scott’s mum.”

Lynn was loving being the centre of attention.

“This is Billy, Laura’s dad and his wife Elaine.”

Everyone nodded.

“And this is David, Scott’s dad and his wife Sandra.

“And this if my fiancé Robert and his children Tracey and Emily.”

By now, the phoney smiles around the table were infectious as everyone nodded in recognition of each other.

But Lynn could barely make eye contact with Sandra for having chosen the same dress as hers (in a smaller size).

With the meal now over, the wine had started to kick in and Elaine’s jibes were flowing thick and fast.

“So Lynn, that’ll be wedding number three for you then,” she drawled sarcastically.

“Yes,” snapped Lynn.

“But I suppose unlike some, I’ve been lucky enough that three men have wanted to marry me.”

“This is going well,” I muttered to myself.

“Obviously you won't be having a white wedding third time around,” questioned Sandra.

“It’s the first time I’ve married Robert, so I may well have another white wedding.”

Out of the blue a sloshed Billy piped up.

"Remember the night we spent in this very hotel Lynn."

And as all eyes turned to Billy, who jerked suddenly as Elaine sharply kicked his shins under the table, and was instantly silenced before he foolishly wandered down memory lane with his ex wife.

Scanning the table, I couldn't help but notice that the array of kids seemed somewhat confused by the situation.

And who could blame them, because I certainly was.

Fast forward a couple of hours and quite a few alcoholic drinks later, it was now time for the big 'family' photograph.

Elaine and Sandra refused to pose next to Lynn.

The ex-husbands stood like statues and were terrified to speak.

The kids were all at each others throats and Lynn's fiancé appeared to be emotionally drained.

“Hollywood Wives," I laughed.

Here's hoping Lynn opts for a very small third wedding.