DEAR ABBY: My high school sweetheart and I reunited and married after his wife of eight years died of breast cancer. She was only 39. They had a sweet little girl together, and I brought my two little ones into our new relationship. We have been together for five years and are a very happy blended family.
My husband's former wife -- I'll call her Nicki -- was very close to her parents and siblings. After Nicki's death, they continued their strong relationship with their granddaughter and my husband, and were very accepting of me and my children when we joined the family.
However, one issue troubles me just a bit: Nicki's parents and siblings continue to address my husband as "son-in-law" or "brother-in-law." I know they loved their daughter, and I respect their feelings, but "till death do us part" means just that, and sadly, the title son-in-law died with their daughter. I feel their continued use of this term shows a lack of respect for me and our marriage.
What do you think about this? -- "AUTUMN" IN NEW YORK
DEAR AUTUMN: Lack of respect? Bonds of love are not severed by death. Nicki's family welcomed you. Are you LOOKING for trouble? If the answer is yes, keep dwelling on this imagined slight, and you'll have unhappiness, dissatisfaction and discord in abundance.