DEAR ABBY: I'm a 27-year-old guy, and I'm involved with an older woman I'll call Carmen.
Carmen has three daughters from previous relationships. I have no authority over them, and they show me no respect. Even though they talk rudely to me, I'm supposed to accept it. Carmen demands everything be done her way, and I have no voice in anything that happens in my home.
Carmen's youngest daughter, "Talia," recently got a kitten. We agreed it would not be kept in the house because I am allergic to cats. I make my living as a singer, and if I can't breathe, I can't earn money to support us. I've explained this to all the girls, but no one seems to care as long as they get what they want. Talia whines, and the cat is inside. What should I do? -- DESPERATE IN INDIANA
DEAR DESPERATE: If the house belongs to you, lay down the law. The cat goes, or they all go. If the house belongs to Carmen, read the handwriting on the wall of "your" home, and make other living arrangements pronto. Your health and your career depend on it.