DEAR ABBY: I am a 33-year-old woman with two young children (11 and 9). "Andrew" and I have been dating for almost a year, still learning about each other and building a foundation for our relationship.
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My family recently told some other family members that I am "too pretty" to be dating Andrew and I "can do much better." My younger sister even said Andrew isn't good-looking enough and I need to find someone who matches my beauty as well as my heart. Shocked, I told her Andrew has been wonderful to me and my kids, and his looks don't bother me.
My last boyfriend was very good-looking but turned out to be a horrible person. He assaulted me, dumped me on the side of a highway and stole my car. Fortunately, a passerby stopped and helped me. After getting a restraining order and going to court, I decided my next boyfriend would be a good-hearted man with character regardless of his looks. Should I confront my family about their comments? -- GENUINELY HAPPY
DEAR GENUINELY HAPPY: Mark Twain once said, "It takes your enemy and your friend, working together, to hurt you to the heart: the one to slander you and the other to get the news to you." I think it applies here. Do not "confront" your family. Just tell them you feel that their comments are shallow and hurtful, and reflect more on them than on your boyfriend.