DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: Let me start by saying I am not a prude, but when I saw the gown my daughter bought for her wedding, I really had to bite my tongue. It cost her a fortune and it is cut so low in the front and back that little is left to the imagination. She is having a church wedding, at the church she grew up attending. My husband and I don’t know what to do. We’re fairly certain the priest will not appreciate the boldness of the dress, and neither will some of our older relatives and friends. How do I tell my daughter her dress is inappropriate for a church ceremony? --- BLUSHING MOTHER OF THE BRIDE

DEAR BLUSHING MOTHER OF THE BRIDE: Talk to your daughter and let her know your concern. Many churches require brides to cover their shoulders during the ceremony. Check to see if yours is one of them. There are loads of options for cover-ups, jackets, or wraps that your daughter could wear during the ceremony.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: I have been dating my girlfriend for two years now and we are definitely beginning to think long-term.

Because of several things going on in my life right now, I am not in a position to propose, but I intend to by the end of the year. I just really think my girlfriend is expecting a ring for Valentine’s Day, and I know she is going to be disappointed. Should I talk to her about this, or just let it go until I can afford to do it all right? --- SO CLOSE, BUT NOT THERE YET

DEAR SO CLOSE: If you have discussed where your relationship is heading ─ and I do mean discussed, not just assume you’re on the same wavelength ─ then the way to go may be letting her know you have plans to make things official, but they won’t be happening on February 14th.

It’s all about communication, and the better you get at it, the better your chances are for making a successful life together.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: My boyfriend and I are getting pretty serious and have begun talking at least about the possibility of getting married. He has two kids from his first marriage. The oldest is a 12-year-old girl and the youngest is a 9-year-old boy. The son seems to be okay with me, until his sister starts in giving me attitude, usually by pretending I don’t exist, even when we’re in the same room. Once that starts, her brother does the same thing. This usually only happens when my boyfriend isn’t around, so he hasn’t seen what is going on.

I have told their dad a little about how the kids treat me when he’s not there. He thinks I’m just being supersensitive and that his kids wouldn’t act like that, and he insists they never have with anyone else he’s dated.

I love the guy, but don’t know if I’m up to dealing with his kids’ attitude. How long do I put up with their freezing me out when their dad isn’t looking? --- MAYBE WOULD-BE STEPMOM

DEAR MAYBE WOULD-BE STEPMOM: If you’re seriously thinking of marrying the man, I’d say you’re going to have to take the kids as part of the whole package. It wouldn’t be wise to give your boyfriend an either them or me ultimatum, because with young kids in the picture, any dad worth his salt will choose his kids.

Unless there’s a reason to rush into marriage, I’d say give it more time. Don’t let the kids know they’re getting to you, but rather show them you’re not going anywhere, and they need to get used to your being in their dad’s life.