DEAR ABBY: My husband's much older sister has no problem calling to ask for money, but never calls just to say hello or to see how he's doing. This has been going on for almost 10 years. She'll tell us she or her sons need it for bills or school expenses.
He has talked to her about it, but nothing has changed. We both work hard, while she refuses to ask the children's father for a cent. Should we continue to give her money because it may affect our nephews if we don't? -- AUNT IN THE SOUTH
DEAR AUNT: That you have tolerated this for 10 years tells me you and your husband are kindhearted and responsible people, and I respect that. However, fathers have a legal responsibility to support their children, and your sister-in-law should make sure it happens whether that involves hiring an attorney to help or applying for funds from the state to see her boys are taken care of. If you must give her money, give her enough for a consultation with an attorney because "Sissie" appears to have been using you.