DEAR ABBY: I recently married a wonderful man. I am 31; "Cliff" is 42. His mother, "Margie," is the problem. She lives down the street. Margie bought furniture for our home and gives us money when we come up short. Because of this, she thinks she can stick her nose into our personal business whenever she wants.
Don't get me wrong; I appreciate everything Margie has done for us because, without her, we wouldn't be nearly as well fixed. But how do I get her to back off and let Cliff and me live our own lives? -- WANTS NO STRINGS ATTACHED IN OKLAHOMA
DEAR NO STRINGS: When you accept money, there are usually invisible "strings" attached. As long as you continue to accept your mother-in-law's money, you will have forfeited your right to "live your own lives." You won't truly regain your independence until you have repaid her the money.