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Dear Prudence,

I don't know if that was my son-in-law Dan Jacob hrumphing about in-laws who won't visit, but let's say it wasn't. Still, let me tell you my story: I am a father-in-law who gets along nicely--I thought--with his daughter and her husband, but who refuses to enter their apartment because they have hung a lewd picture of themselves, er, copulating in the living room. They call it art, I am sure, but it is almost medical in its detail.

I like them, I like their values, but I just cannot stand to see that picture. They must know how it can bother a father to see such a graphic representation; even if the behavior is encouraged-- grandchildren, bring them on!--I don't have to see it. And if they don't know it, they should. I thought I was avoiding a confrontation but evidently not. I guess I will tell them ... even if that wasn't Dan hrumphing. Thank you.

--Greg Garman

Dear Greg,

Whether or not HRUMPH and his wife are your children, these young people certainly march to a different drummer ... perhaps one who owns an adult bookstore.

Prudie is in your corner, and she is blushing. Art it may be, but in such poor taste that one wonders what this young couple is thinking and where is their judgment. Since you like your children but do not wish to see the image you describe, by all means articulate your discomfort and suggest they throw a blanket over the "art" when you come to call, or temporarily substitute a nice still life.

By the way, this drama makes Prudie feel clairvoyant, because she answered the young man who wrote that his in-laws would not step foot in his home: "There is some little missing piece here." The piece is that picture.

Prudie hopes your children outgrow their need to shock and that you can enjoy visits in each other's homes soon.