DEAR ABBY: My husband's parents are wonderful people whom I've grown to love in the 12 years I've been married to their son. The problem is, every time we go out to dinner or stay overnight somewhere, they insist on paying for everything.
My in-laws have three grown children with good jobs. But every time the check arrives, it becomes a major fight.
Last weekend, my husband and I took his folks on an overnight trip for their anniversary. They knew ahead of time that it was our gift and we were going to pay. However, when we checked out, the desk clerk told us the rooms had "already been taken care of."
How should we handle this in the future, Abby? Should we give up and allow Mom and Pop to pay all the time? -- TIRED OF IT IN POMPANO BEACH, FLA.
DEAR TIRED OF IT: Probably. Your in-laws regard you and your husband as "the kids." They can afford it, and they still see their role to be providers. I'm sure they mean no offense, but they probably don't realize how heavy the burden of gratitude can weigh after a while. Since you cannot change them, rather than cause a scene, accept graciously and let it go.