Dear Queenie,
My mother died several years ago and my father has started dating again. He has a very nice girlfriend and we are glad he is happy again, but he started bringing her to family events (with our blessing) and he doesn’t want us to talk about Mom when she is there, which has gotten to be every time.
Queenie, how can he expect us to just forget about Mom?—Bereaved son
Dear Son,
Anyone who dates a widow or widower has to expect that the deceased loved one will be remembered and mentioned from time to time. However, there is a difference between remembering/mentioning and turning every family gathering into a memorial service for the departed.
Try to make your father’s girlfriend feel welcome at family events, but she in turn will have to try to respect your memories of your mother.
