Adult daughter wants birth parents to re-adopt her
-- No Prior Precedent
Dear No Prior: You are not being oversensitive. "Betsy" is not being sensitive enough. As your wife's long-time husband and father to the children you two have together (and the children you had before your marriage), you detect a challenge to these relationships.
I agree that this puts you in a vulnerable spot, and you should be very honest about your reaction to it.
Check your state laws regarding adult adoption. Some states require a spouse to sign a form approving the adoption. You and your wife should see an attorney regarding all of the legal ramifications to this adoption, for you and your entire family circle (including all of your collective children, as well as her child).
Additionally, you and your wife should see a family counselor to discuss the impact on you and your children. If "Betsy" manipulates your wife or pressures her for the adoption to be done very quickly, you should be skeptical about her motives. Do not agree to this in haste.
Dear Amy: I have been married for 34 years. My husband has a thing about being interrupted when he's talking. He gets very angry and will say, "I'm talking!" in a very rude manner.
I never intend to interrupt him, but sometimes in a conversation, it just happens.
His response, and the way he delivers it, is embarrassing and hurtful.
He has also said, "Stifle!" to me in the past, although I think I have gotten the message across to him that this is unacceptable.
What should I do?
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