Bride-to-be struggles after father’s death

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend and I are talking marriage soon, and I’m already stressing over who will walk me down the aisle.

I always planned for it to be my dad, but he passed away a month ago. Mom remarried when

I was young, but I have never had a close relationship with my stepdad. He mentioned years ago that he’d like to walk me down the aisle one day, but I honestly would rather he didn’t. I don’t want to hurt his feelings or strain our relationship, but I also don’t want to feel like I am replacing Daddy, who I was very close with.

Is it taboo to walk down the aisle alone? Or must I just suck it up and walk with my stepdad for the sake of not hurting his feelings?

— Marriage in Minneapolis DEAR MARRIAGE: Brides can (and should) walk down the aisle with the companion of their choice. The escort can be her mother or a close male relative. I have also heard of brides escorted down the aisle by their canine companion. You are not obligated to have anyone walk you to the altar because the person asks. If your stepfather repeats his request, tell him the truth — that it would be too hurtful because it would feel like he was replacing your father, something no one can ever do. These days some women feel being “given away” is an anachronistic custom.

DEAR ABBY: My husband and my mother had a good relationship before we were married. But since our wedding two years ago, he complains about her nonstop while pointing out ways that I am like her. My brothers feed into it too. They often have long conversations together detailing her “many” negative qualities.

Recently, while we were visiting my parents’ home, Mom overheard my husband say very critical things about her. She got upset and kind of shut down emotionally and socially for the rest of the visit. We both apologized to her separately, but she said she was tired of being criticized and tired of him being mean to me as well.

I have a history of depression. My husband and I have tried counseling multiple times, with no progress because he feels our problems are “my responsibility.” My husband is a good person, but it hurts me to see my mother upset and to have the two most important people in my life so at odds. Advice?

— Torn in Nebraska DEAR TORN: “Good” husbands don’t act like yours does. If there are things he doesn’t like about your mother, he should take them up with her directly, not behind her back the way he did. I don’t blame her for feeling hurt. How else was she supposed to respond? What your husband did was destructive, not helpful. The same is true for the way he treats you. Talk to a licensed therapist on your own, which will help you to see your situation more clearly than you appear to do. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com.