AnnLanders.com - Dear Ann Landers: I am engaged to a wonderful man who treats me like a queen, is considerate and thoughtful, and has excellent manners.
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Dear Margo, I am engaged to a wonderful man who treats me like a queen, is considerate and thoughtful, and has excellent manners. He is hardworking and has been there for me through thick and thin. "John" is 28, and I am 27. We have known each other for three years and have lived together for 11 months.
My father has never given John a chance. Dad says it is because he didn't ask for permission before our first date, which is a mighty lame excuse. I thought Dad would change his mind when John and I became officially engaged seven months ago, but it hasn't happened.
My father is zealous about his religious beliefs and said he will not attend our wedding because John is not "religious enough." Also, Dad looks down on John because he has only a high school education and I have a college degree. Dad says a woman should never marry beneath herself "education wise."
Finally, John's job is manual labor -- he drives a moving truck. Dad thinks when John gets older and can no longer do that sort of work, he will become dependent on me. The truth is that John makes a lot of money working for an international company, and his retirement plan is far superior to mine.
This situation hurts my mother and me, and it is hard to explain to John. My uncle will be walking me down the aisle. I have cried a bucket of tears over this, and no one has been able to change Dad's mind. Any ideas, Ann? -- Woodbridge, Va.
Yesterday's Response:
Dear Virginia, Your father is mean-spirited and punitive. His reasoning is faulty, and his values are cockeyed. Ignore his stubbornness, and make plans without him. I fear he is going to pay dearly for his dominating ways and heavy-handedness. Have a wonderful wedding, dear, and be a beautiful, beaming bride.
Today's Response:
Dear Virginia, Oh, Dad, poor Dad. He's confused. Traditionally, one asks for a woman's hand in marriage - not to go out on a date. He also sounds like what I have long called a "wack-job-Churchie." His opinions are set, so forget about any reformation. Stop crying and accept the reality that you were not a winner in the Father Lottery. It happens. Have faith in your own values, they are good ones. - Margo
Hi! It's Margo here. I'd love to know what you think of the letters -- and the answers!
Also, any additional thoughts you might have. Thanks!
Suzanne's Comment
I love seeing Ann's answers from yesteryear! Since Ann had such a long career, it would be helpful to know the year in which her original response appeared.
Sharon 's Comment
I agree with Suzanne, dates would be great. It would also be nice to be able to just read the column in order, rather than just a handful by subject.
Maryann's Comment
I hope this young woman accepted the fact that she isn't going to change Dad and she shouldn't let him detract from her happiness. It sounds like he is engaging in a power play and when he sees she is going to do what she wants and be happy without him, maybe he will calm down. If not, she hasn't lost much.
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Our Reader to Reader Question of the Week:
Dear Readers, , My x-girlfriend who lived with my son and I for 16 years died of cancer. Prior before we knew she had cancer-she moved out because of an addiction problem. We did stay very close before she died. Her x-husband an attorney took over her finances and the burial arrangements. I being financially set was okay with that, whatever they needed I provided. What really hurt my son and I the most was the obituary - we were not mentioned at all. Our friends (mine and hers) were appalled. I was embarrassed and upset for not just me, but for my son-who loved her also. I never been so upset. Her x-husband put his wife and kids and their grandchildren in the obituary, who my girlfriend barely knew. They live an hour away from us. I know its silly to be mad over a little section of the newspaper, but it still hurts. Will time let this devastating loss of her and this article ever go away? I am so angry at this whole situation, its not like we can go and rewrite an obituary notice.
