DEAR ABBY: I participate in a support group for families of teens in residential treatment. Many of our teens are making new choices. Among them is the choice of chastity until marriage, even though they may have had sex prior to the program. These teens are glowing and radiant in their newfound personal power. We are helping them learn how to heal families and meet new challenges in their lives.
One question has us stumped: If a young woman had sex as a teen, then chooses chastity until marriage, can she stil wear white at her wedding? -- ANONYMOUS, PLEASE
DEAR ANONYMOUS: Yes, indeed. A white wedding gown signifies a first-time bride, not chastity. And these days, the old "rules" have been relaxed so that a bride may wear whatever color she chooses, whether it's her first, second or subsequent marriage.