By admin 
Dear Abby: I have been living with someone for four years. When we started living together, his son “Byron” was locked up. Byron is 33 and has been in trouble since he was fifteen. His father continues to save him. I used two of my credit cards to raise the $11,000 bond to get him out of jail. In return, Byron agreed to install a new roof for us and help around the house.
Byron has not completed any of the tasks asked of him, and his father continues to help him anyway. We had to pay Byron’s rent at the rehab so he wouldn’t get kicked out. This has created a rift between me and my boyfriend who thinks I’m selfish and greedy.
Am I wrong if I no longer want to help financially? We got along great until this happened. – Spending time too, in Alabama
Best activity time: Byron is the person he is because his father has enabled him since childhood. You are neither selfish nor greedy because you refuse to give more money. Forgive me if this seems harsh, but unless you want to continue being emotionally blackmailed by your boyfriend, leave now before you become financially exhausted.
Dear Abby: I have no problem driving at night, but I would rather stay home than go out. To be honest, I don’t like being out after 4 or 5 p.m. Yes, I miss a lot of social activities, but I don’t mind.
The problem is friends and acquaintances who, when they find out that I am not going out in the evening, immediately offer to pick me up because they are nice and friendly. No matter how many times I explain that it is not my driving problem, but that I prefer not to be outside at night, it falls on deaf ears.
I know I’m lucky to have dear friends who volunteer to drive me, but I’m tired of explaining myself. Since I don’t want to offend anyone, can you suggest a polite way to turn these people away? Nothing I’ve said so far has worked, not even saying, “It’s not the driving.” I don’t go out at night.” – Roommate in Florida
Dear housemate: Perhaps you should phrase your message a little more emphatically by saying, “I don’t think you UNDERSTAND. It’s not the driving, but the fact that I feel uncomfortable going out into the street in the dark. Please don’t ask me again because my answer won’t change.”
Dear Abby: My wife’s family has a history of breast cancer. She has had several MRIs and biopsies, which have caused a lot of discomfort and stress. She is now going for a lumpectomy. I’m starting to think it might be better to have her breasts removed. I’m not married to her breasts; I married the woman behind them. What do you think? – Proactive in Connecticut
Best Proactive: I’m sure you love her, but I think you need to support your wife emotionally and let this decision be something decided between her and her doctors.
Dear Abby was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was created by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.