DEAR ABBY: I married "Marge" 18 months ago. It was a second marriage for both of us. We agreed to sell our homes and buy something together. Mine sold and now I'm in her house.
Things were going fine until Marge's daughter and son-in-law moved back in. It was supposed to be a three- or four-day stay, but it's now into the fifth week. They always claim to be right on the edge of leaving.
Marge enjoys having her daughter near her, but this is stressful for me. They sleep until noon every day and stay up late. They enjoy all that we have earned throughout our lives, and offer nothing in the way of rent.
I am not allowed to complain. I have been given the option to say "Go," but I know it will cause hard feelings from them and Marge. I am to the point where I'm ready to move out. -- TRAPPED IN THEIR HOUSE
DEAR TRAPPED: More troubling than the fact you appear to have been invaded by freeloaders is that you say you are "not allowed" to voice your feelings about it. Marriage is supposed to be a partnership of equals, and if one partner is not happy, healthy couples work out an agreeable solution together. Because you have been unable to do this, I recommend marriage counseling before you pack your bags.
With counseling I'm hoping you and Marge can form a united front in telling "the kids" they have a deadline to be out instead of you being forced into the role of "bad guy." Moving out should be your last option, because once you do, the move may be permanent.