DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been together for seven years. Our only conflict has been his ex-wife. Their 9-year-old daughter lives with us, and her mother constantly lets me know in no uncertain terms that this child's welfare is none of my business.
On several ocasions the ex has had the nerve to tell me I'm just "playing house," and that when she's ready to come back to my husband, she will.
My husband keeps telling me not to let her get to me, but it's hard. We have two other children, and his ex-wife's behavior is beginning to influence their daughter in the way she acts toward me and the kids. What in the world should I do about this? -- UPSET SECOND WIFE IN FLORIDA
DEAR UPSET: It's not a matter of what YOU should do. This should be handled by your husband. If his daughter behaves disrespectfully to you, your husband should make it clear to her that just as the two of you treat her with respect and consideration, he expects HER to do the same with you. Period.
P.S. I know it's hard, but don't let his bitter, unhappy ex get to you. Keep your conversations brief, and when she gets nasty, tune her out or get off the phone.