DEAR ABBY: Are there any rules of etiquette involving unwanted guests at funerals? While I have many loved ones and friends, I have also made a few enemies in my life. I have made clear to my husband that I do not want "certain people" to be allowed to attend my funeral when I die.
I have always found it distasteful when folks show up at funerals for someone they disliked or didn't know well. It ruins it for those who really did love the deceased. I do not want my enemies trying to make themselves feel better by showing up and pretending they cared.
My husband is against the idea. I made him promise that he'd do this for me because, even though I'll be dead and may not care then, I do care very much now.
P.S. My husband wants to know how one would keep people away from a funeral in the first place. -- PLANNIN' AHEAD IN SODDY-DAISY, TENN.
DEAR PLANNIN': Let's hold a good thought that you'll be around for a long, long time and outlive your enemies. However, if that doesn't happen, a way to ensure that only those you want to attend your funeral will be there is to make it "invitation only." And when your death is announced in the newspaper, it should be stated that the service will be private.