DEAR ABBY: My wife and I will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary this year. What is typical or acceptable in preparing for the celebration?
We have a 48-year-old son who has never remembered dates, especially our wedding anniversaries, so I don't expect that he'll plan anything in our honor. I love my wife so much I just can't let our 50th slide by without a celebration. Would it be appropriate for me to take the lead? I feel weird setting up a party to honor myself. -- SAD IN COLORADO
DEAR SAD: It is not uncommon for couples to plan and host their own anniversary parties. If you would like to celebrate your 50th surrounded by friends and family, you are free to take the initiative and do so. Or spend the money taking your bride on a cruise or other trip of a lifetime.