DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend, "Fred," and I have been together for 10 years, during five of which we have been engaged, although there has been no talk of actually setting a date. That doesn't bother me because I am very unhappy in our relationship now.
Fred hasn't worked in three years. I have been supporting him all this time and I'm losing my mind. I am doing everything I can, and I'm beyond stressed. I can't talk to him about it because he doesn't want to talk. I send out his resume, and he doesn't return any calls to the places that call him.
I am 32 and feel like I am in a rut. What should I do? -- IN A RUT IN ILLINOIS
DEAR IN A RUT: Why are you sending out his resume? By now it should be clear to you that Fred has no intention of getting a job. Why should he? He has a good deal the way things are.
Engagements usually involve setting a wedding date. Because the two of you haven't, and you are unhappy in your relationship, break off the non-engagement! Cut your losses by investing no more time (or money) in your deadbeat boyfriend and set yourself free.