Dear Ann Landers,
y wife and I have been married for 16 years. In that time, I have watched her children from a previous marriage grow to adulthood. I have been present at the births of 10 grandchildren. Here's my problem. I love my wife's children dearly, and I tell them so frequently. However, I have yet to witness any show of affection from any of them. Instead, I get subtle reminders that I am not, after all, their real father. It has reached the point where I wish no further contact. My heart has been broken too many times. My wife says I am being silly. What do you think? -Stepped-on Dad in Calif.

Dear Dad,
Your wife knows you better than I do, so I would accept her assessment. Cool it, Dad. Apparently, your stepchildren are uptight and unable to show affection. I feel sorry for them. They will miss so much joy in life. I suggest that you settle for what there is and don't push for more.