DEAR ABBY: How do I handle an elderly aunt who has a gambling problem? I live in a town with casinos. She lives in another state four hours away. She calls me often to ask to stay with me, and if I am traveling, she asks to use my house, etc.
A year ago, she called me to help her get excluded from gambling in the state where she lives because she was out of control. She can no longer gamble where she lives, cannot afford a hotel to go to towns with a casino and sees me as her gambling getaway.
I have explained that I have a roommate, and my place is small. I have no interest in someone who spends hours at a craps table coming into my home (I’m health conscious), and I flat out cannot accommodate her as a guest. She won’t give up! Is my only option to end communication with her? — NOT BETTING ON HER
DEAR NOT BETTING: Screening her calls is one option. The other is to keep repeating your mantra that you cannot accommodate her because you have a roommate and your place is too small. Then encourage her to find another hobby. If you do, she may stop asking you and look for another enabler.
DEAR ABBY: I’m in middle school and part of a large friend group. I have one friend, “Kaleigh,” who completely changed last year because of the influence of another girl. Kaleigh started saying inappropriate things and talking only about boys. She never did that before she became “best friends” with the other girl. It has ruined both of their reputations.