DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend and I just became engaged. After we call our parents to announce our engagement, which family should call the other first -– the bride's or the groom's? Which family should invite the future in-laws' family and the engaged couple out first?
I should mention that both families are Jewish. Is there a tradition, Abby? -- EAGER TO CELEBRATE IN NEW YORK
DEAR EAGER: Religion has nothing to do with it. Traditionally, your fiance's parents should make the first gesture. They can either telephone your parents and plan to get together, or if finances permit, offer to host a tea, dinner or buffet supper. However, this is a flexible rule -– since eventually you will all be family, no one should stand on ceremony. Mazel tov!