DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend's friend "Keira" moved back here to help take care of his mom. He has known her for more than 10 years. They didn't have an intimate relationship; it was more of a friendship than anything. He's very loving toward me and treats me like gold. The problem I've been having is, he doesn't understand how some things bother me.
For instance, when the three of us went to dinner, they were sharing food by feeding each other. I'm sure people probably thought they were a couple. When I asked him why he didn't put some food on a plate and give it to her, he didn't have an answer. Also, they watch TV in bed together. He thinks these are normal "friend things" to do.
I'm not a jealous person, but I have my limits. We don't live close, so we see each other only a few times a week. Keira doesn't pay anything to live there. He said she has nowhere to go, and it was his agreement with her that if she came home with him she would always have a place to stay.
I like her, but sometimes feel like I'm dating both of them. He's clueless. They are dependent on each other. She fixes things around the house, and he lets her borrow his car for work. Am I just being petty? -- THIRD WHEEL IN THE EAST
DEAR THIRD WHEEL: Forgive me if this seems negative, but your boyfriend's primary relationship seems to be with the girl who is living with him 24/7 and watching television in his bed rather than with you.
Step back and look at it rationally: Keira's living with him, taking care of the house and his mother, spending time in his bed, hand-feeding him, and the few times a week you see him, she's coming along. He may treat you like gold, but it looks more like fool's gold to me.