DEAR ABBY: I have the most amazing husband. He helps with the housework, provides for us and loves me unconditionally. Not a day goes by that I don't hear how precious I am to him. It's like a fairy tale. Except -- we never had a formal wedding, just a courthouse ceremony with nobody there but us two. You see, we had to get the paperwork done so I wouldn't have to keep renewing my visa status every few months.
Now we can be together in the U.S. with no issues. But I feel like we skipped an important life milestone, and a wedding would be the perfect opportunity to unite both of our families from around the world.
The problem is my husband is happy with the way things are. He refuses to spend money on a party and says, "If we ever have one, it will be when we are rich, stable, and able to afford it by ourselves." (My parents are more than willing to pay!) I feel like a lifelong dream was taken away from me. Your thoughts? -- MISSING OUT IN VIRGINIA
DEAR MISSING OUT: My thoughts are you have a stellar husband AND your visa problem is solved. I'd say you have done quite well. If your husband prefers to postpone the fancy celebration until you are more financially stable and foot the bill himself, you should respect him for it. I know I do.