DEAR ABBY: My husband passed away many years ago when our children were very young. I have remained close to his family and they are a big part of my children's lives.
I am planning to remarry and don't know if I should stop referring to them as my in-laws. We will always be close, but I don't want to hurt them or offend my new in-laws.
Abby, how should I refer to "old" in-laws? -- IN-LAW RICH IN NEW YORK STATE
DEAR IN-LAW RICH: Your in-laws are now your former in-laws, except in some cases in which the IRS states that they are in-laws 'til death do ye part. However, since you are on such friendly terms with them, continue to call them "Mom," "Dad," "sister-in-law," etc. In view of the emotional attachment, it's justified.