DEAR ABBY: We have close friends who are like family. They have one child -- a son, "Justin," who is in the Boy Scouts. He has wanted to quit for two years but his parents won't let him. They have been doing his work on the badges all along. His dad is the scout leader. They volunteer us all the time on different projects, but we're tired of it and have tried in a nice way to let them know.
What bothers me most is that Justin sits around playing video games while we're stuck doing his work. Now, his parents have him going for his Eagle Scout project -- a large one requiring quite a bit of work -- and they have volunteered us again. My husband already works hard. It isn't fair that he does all the work and Justin gets the credit. Without destroying this friendship, what do you suggest, Abby? -- FED UP DOWN SOUTH
DEAR FED UP: If your friendship with this couple is based on being at their beck and call and doing their son's projects for him, then you're paying a high price for it. Justin should be earning his own merit badges, and your husband should be telling the scoutmaster that he has projects of his own that take precedence. It doesn't have to be said harshly, just firmly. If your husband can't muster the courage, then face it -- you'll both be in the Boy Scouts until Justin has "flown" as an Eagle.