DEAR ABBY: I have read your column since I was young, and I know you have addressed this topic before, but I'm hoping you'll go over it again.
My husband was married once before. We lived together for a few years and were married a year ago. His 20-year-old son (I'll call him "Sonny") recently bought a new home. In the foyer, Sonny hung a family picture that was taken years ago. It includes his mother, father (my husband), him and his sister.
When I first saw it, my feelings were very hurt. I told my husband I thought it was inappropriate, since the marriage is history and he is now married to me. I wouldn't have a problem with the picture being kept in a photo album -- but in the main entrance to Sonny's house?
Sonny's mother gave him the picture because she no longer wanted it. She has a boyfriend now and has moved on with her life.
The picture doesn't seem to bother my husband. He thinks I'm being ridiculous and petty. He said if it bothers me that much, I should refrain from going over to Sonny's house.
Abby, please give my husband, his son and me some advice about this. I think it's time for all of us to live in the present. I'd like to see a picture of Sonny and his fiancee hanging on the wall instead. Don't you agree? -- PUT OUT IN PENDLETON, IND.
DEAR PUT OUT: You are reading far more into this than is merited. Your stepson may be sentimental about the time when his original family was intact, and no one can fault him for that. Besides, the house belongs to Sonny, and what he chooses to hang on the walls is his business, not yours.
Now that the family has expanded, why not give him a lovely housewarming present -- a beautifully framed picture of you and his father to hang on the wall next to the family portrait? And if you feel particularly generous, offer to treat him to a professional portrait of him and his fiancee to hang on the other side to balance the grouping.