DEAR ABBY: My grown daughter is my best friend. She has given me some of life's greatest joys -- and sorrows. She is supportive, loving and generous, but she also "steals" from me. In spite of my arguments, threats and pleas, she fraudulently charges on my credit cards and is dishonest when confronted with her wrongs.
I am a widow on a fixed income and cannot continue to see my savings depleted to pay her bills. I've considered moving far away to protect myself, but am dependent on her for the good times, love and friendship we share, plus she is the mother of the grandson who is the light of my life.
Recently she began counseling to help cure her compulsive spending, and deal with her anxiety and guilt.
I do not want to jeopardize her job or her marriage, but I am desperate to find a way to help her and protect my financial security. Please help me. -- GOING DOWN THE DRAIN
DEAR GOING: Notify the stores where you have charge accounts that no one other than you may use your charge account. Then tell your daughter that in order to protect yourself from bankruptcy -- and herself from humiliation and trouble with the law -- she must not attempt to charge anything on your accounts.
Since your daughter is in counseling to overcome her compulsive spending, at least she's trying. Let's hope she succeeds.