DEAR ABBY: My best friend (I'll call her Jennifer) is getting married soon, and she is busy making her plans.
Jennifer's stepmother told her that the maid of honor and the bridesmaids must be unmarried virgins. Is this true?
This news has disturbed Jennifer because all the friends she has chosen to be in the wedding party are married. -- BRIDE'S BEST FRIEND, NEW JERSEY
DEAR BEST FRIEND: Jennifer's stepmother was either joking or she is misinformed. The bride chooses her best friends or closest relatives to be in her wedding party without regard to whether they are virgins or not. Marital and sexual status have nothing whatsoever to do with the honor of attending the bride.