DEAR ABBY: I am dating a guy, "Ryan," I like very much. He invites me to his family's house for dinner often, and this is where the problem lies.
I eat everything his mom cooks for us and I thank her for it, but she constantly tries to get me to eat more. It has reached the point where she flat-out tells me, "You need to eat more of my food. You didn't have a large enough serving." Even though I am already full, I wind up stuffing myself because I feel guilty, and then I'm uncomfortable.
I don't want to eat there anymore to avoid overeating or making Ryan's mom feel bad. However, I know it means a lot to him that I go. How should I handle her constant badgering? -- STUFFED IN TENNESSEE
DEAR STUFFED: Ryan's mother may be well-meaning, but a polite hostess does not pressure a guest in her home the way she does. Have a private chat with Ryan. Tell him plainly how uncomfortable his mother's badgering makes you feel. If he can't put a stop to it, the next time his mother gives you a hard time, try this: Tell her you are stuffed and ask if you can please take home a doggie bag because her cooking is so delicious.