Fashionably Late.

Direct Answers - Column for the week of Jan six, 2003.

What can a couple do and say when they've been late in getting marriage thank yous out to people? We've been married 2 years, with 2 separations among other heavy challenges, and eventually wish to send cards.

One of the issues is my wife's reply when I asked if she wants to do that project together. She told me we've got more significant things to work on and even announced, "they're usually your mates.

Ladd, the new year is a time for new beginnings.

Spend a couple of seconds to coarse out the message. If you remember what they gave, mention it.

You never need to say sorry for your own marriage challenges.

Nearly everyone will think well of you for having the bravery to act.

Sign both names to the cards. On Sat. night my future mother-in-law flipped out at my fianc for wanting to wed me.

On Sun. she verbally attacked me at their home.

I have one drawback in that I met my fianc thru his little brother, who I dated momentarily. Since we didn't see any future in the relationship, we stayed buddies. My fianc want to try for a reconciliation, but I'm not sure if I will pardon her after a scene full of such loathing. A delay at the ticket counter, a business deal gone awry, and you changed into a target. You're like the worker of a business who must control her tongue before a rude client. Only the owner of the business is free to claim, "Go someplace else. The present givers aren't part of that problem. I am really not sure if she has feelings for another man. Best wedding favors. In 3 years of marriage this idea never happened to me before.

I believe the reason I realized this is as it sounded so weird to hear. Am I reading too much into this? I haven't spotted any other change in her in the slightest.

Stan, next time you speak to your other half at work and she calls you by name, try this.