DEAR ABBY: In a few months, some good friends of mine will be getting married. I am in the bridal party. The problem is, my ex-fiance is one of the groomsmen. My ex and I did not break up well, nor have we had any contact since I moved out.
Because my ex is not the best man, I don't really need to deal with him during the coming months or during the wedding. However, I'm afraid it might be uncomfortable for me during such things as the reception dinner, the picture-taking, etc.
I don't want to distress the bride and groom, not this close to the wedding. How should I handle it if he should make things uncomfortable, other than as politely as possible? -- CONCERNED IN TROY, N.Y.
DEAR CONCERNED: I'm sure the bride and groom are well aware of the circumstances of your breakup. Therefore, it would not be out of line to suggest to whoever is handling the seating at the reception that you would prefer not to sit near our former fiance. Be cordial in your interactions with him, but don't linger or allow him to start a serious conversation, and you should be able to make it through the occasion without a scene.