ANNIE: Child's parentage bothers uncertain fiancée

DEAR ANNIE: I have a fiancée whom I love and cherish. She has a 2-year-old son from another relationship and I accept and enjoy this child. The boy's father was physically and verbally abusive toward my fiancée, and I believe the guy is still unbalanced from drug use. He has no interest in being with his son.

A year ago, my fiancée and I were expecting a child, but she miscarried. We separated afterward because I needed time. The loss of the baby hurt me deeply. We eventually got back together, but then I was incarcerated for a short while. While I was in prison, my fiancée admitted that she had been with her ex and was pregnant again. She isn't sure who the father is.

I love her, but if this is not my child, I don't know what the future holds for us. She admits it was a mistake being with her ex. How can I save our relationship and our love if the child turns out not to be mine? -- GI

DEAR GI: You already know that you can love a child who is not biologically yours. We don't think that will be a problem for you, as long as you don't blame the child for his mother's indiscretions. A true father is the one who raises the child.

However, we think you should put this engagement on hold. Your concern should be less about the baby and more about your fiancée's ability to fully commit to you. It doesn't mean you should give up on the relationship. It means take your time. Let her show you that she will not go running to the ex whenever there is trouble. You might also consider couples counseling, perhaps through your church. It will help you both feel more secure with your future choices.

DEAR ANNIE: I have had a best friend for 20 years. We were in the same civic group for many years, played sports together, and my wife and I traveled with him and his wife.

His wife is a domineering, opinionated woman who always has to be right. When we last traveled together, she told me how to cook, drive and where to park the car. When my wife and I came home, I told her that I was finished going anywhere with this woman.

We usually take several trips a year with them, but last year we took none. I am sure my friend is curious about why we don't ask them to travel with us anymore. Do I dare tell him that I'm tired of butting heads with his wife? -- Frustrated

DEAR FRUSTRATED: We wouldn't volunteer this information. Your friend may already have his suspicions. Should he ask you directly, however, we recommend diplomacy. It will do no good to criticize his wife. He isn't going to divorce her over these trips.

To write to Annie's Mailbox, send to c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 Third St., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.

This story was originally published November 14, 2015 at 6:54 PM with the headline "ANNIE: Child's parentage bothers uncertain fiancée ."