DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been happily married for two years. We both want biological children later, when the timing is right.
A while ago, some friends adopted a little girl from Russia. The girl was orphaned and badly in need of medical treatment. Our friends got her everything she needed and more, and I was touched by the experience of watching her develop into a happy, healthy child.
I realized I had a desire to do something similar, so I told my husband I wanted to adopt a child. He immediately shot the idea down and said he'd never be interested in raising a kid that wasn't his. It broke my heart a little. I'm not willing to end my marriage over this, but how can I reconcile my hurt feelings and not feel resentful? -- FUTURE MAMA IN ALABAMA
DEAR FUTURE MAMA: Your friends were fortunate because not all adoptions are successful, and not all blended families are happy ones. Be glad your husband was honest with you, and consider starting your family sooner than you originally planned -- provided you and your husband are in agreement about the timing.