Manners Matter: More Than One Mom

Dear Mary Pat,

My husband and I have been married for 14 months and his mother insists that I call her mom. I like her very much, but it seems a little forced to call her mom. My own mom passed away three years ago and I miss her so much. She’s Mom to me and it seems disloyal to call anyone else mom. I don’t want it to be awkward and I don’t know how to explain it to her without hurting her feelings. Help.

Signed,

Sad Daughter

DePere, Wis.

Dear Sad Daughter,

Relationships take time to develop and I’m sure you’ll get to a point where she does feel like a mom to you. Having more than one mom can be one of life’s biggest blessings.

You don’t have to make a big speech at this point. Maybe think of a cute alternative name for your mother-in-law such as mama or mum. If she asks, you can be honest and tell her that it makes you a little sad due to your mom passing on. That won’t be awkward and she will totally understand.

Good luck,

Mary Pat