DEAR ABBY: Your response to "Disapproving Mother" was that she should apologize to her daughter and her fiance. Baloney! The daughter, knowing how her parents would feel about her setup, should not expect them to pay for anything. The mother does not have to approve of their lifestyle. They have lived together for two years and plan to shack up for another year while calling this an engagement.
As for future grandchildren, I don't think "Disapproving Mother" has anything to worry about. They'll be dropping off their offspring for grandmother to baby-sit free of charge. "Disapproving Mother" should attend the wedding if invited, like any other guest. -- ARLENE JOHNSON, AVON LAKE, OHIO
DEAR ARLENE: I agree, the mother does not have to approve of their lifestyle. However, by refusing to give the young man permission to marry their daughter, they have reduced their chances of being asked to the wedding, and should the young man carry a grudge, they could well be cut off from any grandchildren.