Dear Annie: I recently attended my stepson’s wedding. My husband and his ex-wife were announced as mother and father of the groom as they entered the wedding reception together.

His ex thought nothing of taking my husband’s arm as they entered. Meanwhile, I’m sitting at our table by myself as this is happening. My husband and I have been married for 15 years, so I had thought we would enter the wedding reception and be introduced as the father of the groom and his wife. What is the correct protocol?

I don’t want to cause unnecessary drama, but I can’t help but feel overlooked and unacknowledged when I have been in my step-son’s life for a long time. — Wedding Protocol

Dear Wedding Protocol: It’s understandable to feel undervalued by the lack of acknowledgment. Wedding protocols vary, but it is traditional for the biological parents to be acknowledged during a reception.

However, when a step-parent has been in the picture for a long time — as you have — it’s courteous to acknowledge them, too.

It’s possible that this was an oversight of the bride and groom rather than an intentional slight. If it still feels unresolved, talk to your husband about how you feel and request more open communication about family events going forward.

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“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].