DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a 53-year-old divorced woman. I have three children who are all in their 20s and living on their own. I have been divorced for 10 years now. I recently started dating this guy who I like and can see spending the rest of my life with. I don't think I would ever get remarried, but I see a real future with him. This is the first boyfriend I have had since my ex-husband, and the first man my kids will be introduced to. I need some advice regarding how I should introduce my boyfriend to my children. Where is a good setting? Do I have them meet him all together? We have been dating for three months; is now an appropriate time to have them meet? -- Meeting Mom's New Boyfriend, Cleveland
DEAR MEETING MOM’S NEW BOYFRIEND: Think about your children and how you suspect they will react to your boyfriend. It could be efficient to have everybody come over to your house for a meal where you introduce them at once, or you could schedule individual times for them to meet. If you do the latter, you will have to tell all of them that you have a boyfriend and want to invite them to meet him. It’s best to break the news at the same time so your children don’t think you are playing favorites. If you and your boyfriend both believe this relationship is serious, it’s fine to meet the kids after three months. You don’t have to tell them that you are fully committed though. Just be with them.