Annie’s Mailbox: Odd for father to catch bride’s garter

Dear Annie: I have been divorced for seven years. This past weekend, my daughter got married. Her father caught the garter at the reception. He did this a year ago when our younger daughter got married. I think this is in extremely poor taste. Why would a man want the garter his own daughter was wearing on her leg? – Mother of the Bride

Dear Mother: You are reading too much into this. Your ex-husband is a single guy and, like all others in attendance, is entitled to fight for the bride’s garter. We agree that it doesn’t show much decorum on his part, nor is it what a good host would do (if he is paying for the wedding), but his boorish behavior is outside your control.

Dear Annie: I am responding to “Danged if I Do and Danged if I Don’t,” whose son and new wife don’t want her to contact the ex-daughter-in-law.

My son divorced seven years ago. My daughter-in-law is invited to every family function because she is the mother of my grandchildren. What would it say to them if I stopped having their mother over because Dad changed his mind about their marriage?

I invite my son and his wife to the same functions, and she is treated with respect. If she can’t handle it, it’s her problem. The children need to know how to forgive and move forward like adults. – Been There in California

Dear California: Unfortunately, too many insecure second wives respond by cutting off all contact. Parents need to tread carefully.