DEAR HARRIETTE: My parents have been divorced for years and are happy with significant others. With my senior prom coming up, my mother decided that she would like me to not invite my father to a part of prom so her boyfriend can come. I do not know her boyfriend well, and I feel it is very selfish of her to decide my father will not be invited. Additionally, I am not sure if my father assumes his significant other is invited, and I would prefer she not come. How do I tell both of my parents that I would like them to come alone? -- My Prom Rules, Westchester, New York
DEAR MY PROM RULES: Start by talking to your mother. Tell her how excited you are about your prom and that you consider it to be a rite of passage. Explain to her that it would mean the world to you if both of your parents could witness it. For this reason, you do not want her to bring her boyfriend -- you want both her and your father present.
Similarly, contact your father and tell him what your desires are for your prom experience. Ask you parents to honor your request.