Ask Amy: Online bully embarrasses family
I don't think it is useful to issue blanket or public apologies for someone else's behavior. Your father embarrasses himself, but you should not give him the important role -- and the power -- to embarrass you.
Your father sounds like a bully. You should not trust him to keep anything private. All the same, you might feel better if you stood up to him: "Dad, I wish you would find a different hobby. Your online ranting is quite disturbing."
It would be wise for him to get a mental health screening. Being a bigoted bully does not necessarily indicate mental decline, but because your father's behavior seems to be getting worse, there is reason to wonder.
Dear Amy: My son just gave us the great news that he's getting married.
Our daughter is in a serious, five-year relationship with a young man, "James." We expect they will be engaged in the near future (within the next two years).
We have met James' parents several times.
Should we invite James' parents to our son's wedding?
-- Wondering
Dear Wondering: Does your son know James' parents? Does his future bride know these people? This marrying couple may want to have some say over who attends their nuptials.
Traditionally, with larger weddings the marrying couple will get half of the total guest list to invite those close to them, while each set of parents will get one-fourth of the guest total to invite people from their own list (colleagues or childhood friends, for instance).
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