DEAR ABBY: How do I tell my ex I no longer want to baby-sit her son? The boy is not mine. When we lived together she found a job, and I told her I would watch her son on weekends while she was working.
I moved out of the apartment we shared a year ago. Between working nights at my job and her son having special needs and requiring full-time attention, I'm exhausted and losing patience. Is there a graceful way to bow out? -- GETTING STRESSED OUT IN VIRGINIA
DEAR GETTING STRESSED: Probably not. However, because you feel the responsibility has become more than you are able to handle, you need to tell your ex she needs to make other arrangements for a sitter for her son. Because your relationship with her ended a year ago, I doubt she'll be surprised. But do not expect her to welcome the news or like it.