DEAR ABBY: We recently remodeled my mother-in-law's house. She's now trying to move back in and put things away. She asks my opinion constantly about where things should go, but when I give her my answer, she always disagrees.
Her house is small and storage is limited. I try to give her ideas (which she asks for) for organizing her stuff -- but then she says, "Oh, no," and shoves everything in her pantry.
I hate to see her clutter her house when she doesn't have to, and I feel her disregarding my help is intentional. What are your thoughts? -- TRYING TO LET IT GO, RICHMOND, VA.
DEAR TRYING: Your mother-in-law may ask your advice not because she intends to use it, but because she likes the attention she's getting from you. It's important that you emotionally disengage from what's going on, and remember that SHE will have to live with the disorganized mess she's creating, not you. You did your part by helping out with the remodel, so give yourself a pat on the back for that and step back. Your relationship with your mother-in-law will be better, and you'll experience less frustration if you do.