DEAR ABBY: I have been married to "Ginny" for two happy years. My wife is the best. She's understanding, loving and, most of all, my best friend.
The only problem is her parents. Don't get me wrong, I love them dearly and have known these folks since I was 12. Ginny's dad has been my pastor a good portion of my life in our small town.
What bothers me is the fact that my in-laws won't let us fall down! Whenever Ginny and I are faced with any type of financial difficulty, her parents find out about it and insist on helping us. Well, it doesn't help.
I've tried to tell Ginny how important it is to live within our means. She just keeps on spending because she knows her mom and dad will bail us out.
Time after time, I've tried to politely refuse their offers of help, to no avail. They end up giving the money directly to Ginny. Abby, can you come up with some advice on what I can do? -- BOTHERED IN NEBRASKA
DEAR BOTHERED: Tell your in-laws they are endangering your marriage. As a man of God, your father-in-law should honor your request and not come between a husband and wife. Ginny is no longer a child, and she needs to understand that her parents won't always be there to "bail her out." I don't know what's causing these monetary crises, but the both of you might benefit from financial counseling.