DEAR ABBY: When does a stepparent stop being a stepparent? My father passed away a few years ago, and I have been wondering ever since if my stepmother is still my stepmother. What happens if she remarries?
We do not have a warm relationship, but we do make contact on birthdays and holidays. We live in different states. -- JUST WONDERING IN GEORGIA
DEAR JUST WONDERING: I have always believed that what binds people together has more to do with what is in their hearts than official titles. If you are not close to the woman, it really doesn't matter if she's your "stepmother" or not. She's your dad's widow. Period.