DEAR ABBY: We need advice about our 21-year-old son. We are a military family stationed overseas. Our son started college in the United States in June 1994. We give him $400 per month to help with his expenses, plus additional money for emergencies.
He phoned us a few days ago asking for more money for his tuition. No problem. But when we telephoned the school to get an address, we discovered that he is no longer a student! In fact, he dropped out in August 1994, after excessive absenteeism.
He never remembers us on Christmas or holidays, nor does he ever mention the gifts and money we send him. We have found that almost everything he tells us is a lie. When we confront him, he cries and says he's sorry.
We've always tried to support him and his decisions, but I'm getting tired of his behavior. He never finishes anything.
We urged him to go to college after high school, but he joined the Army instead. After one year, he dropped out. We don't know why, and when we asked, we were given an unbelievable story.
My husband and I both work hard, and we're not wealthy. Our other two children are on their own and self-supporting. My husband wants to continue to send this son money. I want to stop, hoping he will grow up.
Abby, we need unbiased advice. -- MILITARY MOM IN ASIA
DEAR MILITARY MOM: Your son sounds like an accomplished "con" man. However, he is an adult now. You do him no favors by continuing to support him and caving in to his lies. Write him a letter telling him what you know about his deception. Send him a final check, and tell him to get a job if he doesn't already have one.