DEAR ABBY: My husband, "John," was married before. His former wife, "Jane," still wears her wedding rings on her left hand. She also signs her name "Mrs." when she writes letters to the editor of our local newspaper. Even though he has asked her not to, she kept John's last name -- out of spite. This has caused a lot of problems because we live in the same town and go to the same church.
Abby, can you still use "Mrs." after you are divorced? -- THE REAL MRS. JOHN SMITH
DEAR MRS. SMITH: It all depends on how you use it. Your husband's former wife can call herself Mrs. Jane Smith if she wishes. But for her to call herself Mrs. JOHN Smith is improper and misleading because it implies she's still married to her former husband. Legally, you are the only Mrs. John Smith.