DEAR ABBY: I have been dating a wonderful man for the past four years and have no doubt of his love for me -- or the belief that eventually we will be married.
My problem is I'm at the age where most of my friends and acquaintances are getting engaged, married and having babies, so naturally the marriage question comes up all the time.
I don't mind answering questions like, "When are you two going to tie the knot?" However, I need some ideas for a tactful -- yet forceful -- way to answer those rude and condescending people who ask, "Well, is he EVER going to marry you?"
That question makes me bristle and causes me to feel defensive when there is nothing to be defensive about. I need a ladylike reply that will let the offending parties understand in no uncertain terms that I am taken aback by the phrasing of their question. Thanks, Abby. -- BRIDE-TO-BE (EVENTUALLY) IN OXFORD, MISS.
DEAR B-T-B (EVENTUALLY): Reply with a smile, "When we make the announcement, you'll be among the first to know."