DEAR ABBY: My mom divorced my dad two years ago because he's an alcoholic. Dad's a good guy, but when he's drunk he gets mean and hateful -- and sometimes violent.
Mom has benefited from the divorce and is much happier. About a year ago, she met a wonderful guy I'll call Dan. I like him a lot and he makes Mom happy.
My dad, on the other hand, hasn't done so well. He blames Mom for everything that's gone wrong with him and even accused her of divorcing him because she was having an affair (which is absolutely not true).
I will be graduating from high school next month. I can't NOT invite either parent, because I know they'd be hurt. I also can't NOT invite Dan because he's like a second father to me. What should I do, Abby? My fear is that my father will arrive drunk at my graduation, cause a scene or start a fight with Dan. Any advice would be appreciated. -- GIRL ABOUT TO GRADUATE
DEAR ABOUT TO GRADUATE: Talk to your father about your concerns. If he cannot promise faithfully that he will behave like a gentleman, do not invite him. Tell him that this is your day -- not his, not your mother's and not Dan's -- and you need to be assured it won't be spoiled.