DEAR ABBY: My husband and I lived in a small apartment with our two young chldren in a bad part of town. When "Cousin Ramona" offered to rent us half of her large home in a nicer area, we jumped at the chance. It meant we'd be sharing the house with Ramona and another female renter, but we didn't mind.
Since we moved in, it has become clear that the female renter (age 19) is a real party girl. When I asked our cousin if any guys would be spending the night, she said no. Well, after only one week, our housemate started having a male visitor regularly for evenings and overnight stays. He also helps himself to our food. I am livid. I made a comment to Ramona about this "guest." She got uptight and said it was no big deal, and it shouldn't matter to me.
Well, Abby, it DOES matter. Our kids are 2 and 3 years old, and this isn't the kind of atmosphere I want them exposed to. Am I wrong? -- HELPLESS IN TACOMA
DEAR HELPLESS: Certainly not. You and your husband are responsible for setting the standards your children will live by. Waste no time in checking the classified ads for another place to live. The living conditions in your current dwelling are not as they were represented.