DEAR ABBY: I was recently engaged to "Danny," the man of my dreams. He is everything I have prayed for all my life. The problem is his mother. She constantly barges into our relationship. She was even there when he proposed to me -– so close I could hear her crying.
Because Danny is in the military, our time together is limited. I have been planning a trip to visit him for an awards ceremony. It was booked and paid for three months ago. This will be the first time we have been alone together since we got engaged.
I just learned that Danny's mother plans to "surprise" him by attending the awards ceremony and staying all weekend. Once again, there she is. I understand that she wants to support her son, but is this the way my marriage is going to be –- her always wanting to share in the moment? -- SURROUNDED BY HIS MOTHER
DEAR SURROUNDED: Danny may be "your man," but he is also her little boy. This is the way your marriage will be, until the two of you are able to loosen the apron strings. Perhaps his mother wouldn't hover so much if her son wasn't in the military and therefore in jeopardy.
Please cut her some slack. Also, how Danny reacts to his mother's surprise visit should give you insight into what lies ahead for you.