DEAR ABBY: I relocated to live with "Zack," my boyfriend of one year. Now that I'm here I'm afraid that I adore him more than I am adored. I'm not the clingy type, but Zack never cuddles. Sex is not discussed -- and never "my" way.
Most things are like that. He isn't abusive -- just uncompromising, lazy and selfish. To make matters worse, we share the house with a family member of his who has the same spoiled teenager attitude.
I'm the one who cooks, cleans, shovels snow, takes care of the dog and has the guts to call the landlord about issues. I have asked Zack to help and to ask for help from his relative. He excuses his relative from responsibility and will help me with that one request -- at that moment only. They have no regular chores. I experimented with the bathroom wastebasket -- it overflowed for weeks because I didn't empty it.
I am growing resentful and angry. If I say anything, Zack rolls his eyes at me like I'm an idiot and asks me how I come up with all the "stuff" I gripe about. I feel like I'm the parent of two teenagers with overdeveloped ideas of entitlement, even though we all have an equal stake in this house.
Is there a different approach I can use, or should I do what I have been considering for a while -- throw in the towel and move out? -- READY TO BAIL IN SIOUX FALLS, S.D.
DEAR READY TO BAIL: Go ahead and bail. Zack and his relative are treating you like an unpaid housemaid and no one's girlfriend. The longer you tolerate this situation, the longer it will continue. So start packing. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose.