Dear Auntie Kate:

I am 14 yr old and recently my dad and his cousin are getting married in about 6 months. Here is my question " I am worried that if my friends at school find out this would be the end of my rep is it okay for my dad to do that to me?" I am also worried about going to get made fun of alot if they get married. Should he get married or not?

Heather Dearest,

Fourteen is a such a lovely age. There are so many new and great things
happening in a young woman's life.  All new and unfamiliar, and exciting.
Turning from child to woman is quite a roller coaster of emotion and change.

Part of that change is learning to manage the role other people's influence
has over your life. Gurl, when it comes down to absolute most important
stuff, who loves you?  The friends who are impressed by your cool
reputation? Who's influence do you really think is important. I bet your Dad
is the one who really is there for you - even if he's a little uncool and
like... a little weird about this cousin thing.

Aunt Kate's advice??  Chill. Your dad isn't "doing it" to you. He wants this
woman in his life and loves her. That's good for you - a happy dad is better
than an unhappy one.  You should do something nice for him.  Tell him you
love him, and that his choice of life partner is Ok, a little weird, but
you'll do everything you can to make her a part of your family.

You know, being the first gurl in the gang to come out with retro - like
"live and let live" as a 'tude would be pretty cool for your rep.  We used
to say that in the 60's, you know. Very hippy and flower child. OR was it
punkitude?  Maybe from the beatnik days.  Dear I just can't keep my lingo
and style from getting all fuddled up.  Sorry if I've slipped into prissy
old auntie language.  Do gurls like hot tea?  Maybe a little camomile?

Actually H, I think "live and let live" wasn't just an anthem of a single
generation. It's a very nice way to be at any age. Of course your dad should
get married, and you should be happy for him.
 

Your hip and down gurl,

Aunt Kate