DEAR ABBY: I am a 19-year-old girl and my best friend, Cliff, is 21. We have been best friends for about three years and even tried dating, but it never worked for us. We agreed a long time ago that if we didn't get married, we'd be in each other's weddings.
Well, Cliff is getting married next spring and has asked me to be his "best man." I accepted. He was originally going to have a male friend for his best man, and I was going to serve cake or take care of the guest book. But Cliff decided he wants me to have the honor.
My problem is that my mother doesn't approve. She and my dad were married in 1967 and still believe in the traditional way of doing things. I called several bridal shops and was told that I won't be the first woman to be a "best man." Cliff's fiance, his mother and the rest of the wedding party are all for it.
Cliff adores my parents. He calls them "Mamma" and "Dad." He values their opinion as much as I do, but we both want me to be his best man.
Abby, what do you think? Is it appropriate for a woman to be a groom's best man? -- BEST FRIEND IN KENNESAW, GA.
DEAR BEST FRIEND: It is unusual but not inappropriate for a woman to be a "best man." That honor usually goes to the groom's brother, his closest friend, or even his father if they are very close.
Since you are Cliff's best friend, and there is no objection on the part of the bride or her family, you certainly qualify.