DEAR ABBY: I am a 48-year-old happily married woman with three adult children. The youngest one is graduating from high school this year. My mother died six years ago, and my father married a woman who has a personality that's very difficult for me to like. (We don't know anyone who really likes her.)
We have them over, and as far as she knows, everything is fine. But she not only comes between Dad and his family, she also creates an atmosphere where none of us can be ourselves.
We would love to see Dad by himself sometimes (when she comes over she takes over the conversation).
We don't want another happy occasion spoiled, as has happened so many times in the past.
Abby, when there is a second marriage, is it unreasonable to ask the parent not to include the new spouse in some family get-togethers? -- STUCK IN OKLAHOMA
DEAR STUCK: I wouldn't recommend it. Play it safe, bite your tongue and invite her.