DEAR ABBY: I am being married next month. Last night, my father announced to me that he had just married his much younger girlfriend, "Cassandra." Abby, she is even younger than I am. I am OK with the marriage as long as Dad is happy, even though I do not approve. But that is beside the point.
Cassandra is now adamant about walking down the aisle with my father during the parent processional at my wedding. I am extremely uncomfortable with this idea. She has never been a parent to me, nor do I believe she ever will be.
How can I deal with this tactfully and keep my wedding as I would like it? Help! -- BEWILDERED GROOM
DEAR BEWILDERED GROOM: You haven't mentioned your mother. If she is living, she should accompany your father during the parent processional.
Although I am sure Cassandra would like to be recognized for who and what she officially is on this family occasion, she should remember this is your wedding, not her coming-out party. The impression she creates will last as long as her marriage to your father. Please clip this and give it to her. Maybe seeing it in black-and-white will convince her to lighten up.