DEAR ABBY: I have a 23-year-old stepson who continues to bully my wife into taking care of him. She recently helped him to buy a home, even though she knew his current earnings would not be enough to cover his car, insurance, phone, cable, etc.
He continues to make his problems ours. He called yesterday telling his mom he needs brakes. We already pay his insurance on the vehicle and other small, unexpected bills. Oh, and by the way, he has a baby on the way.
I have tried repeatedly to talk to my wife about enabling him, but she refuses to see that she is keeping him dependent. What can I say or do to help her get on the right path? -- MAN-CHILD PROBLEMS
DEAR PROBLEMS: Ideally, spouses are supposed to agree before spending large amounts of community assets. Marriage counseling might help you to get through to her. But if it doesn't, consider consulting a lawyer about protecting your assets.
I agree that your wife is enabling her son, and she's not doing him any favors in the long run. However, if the money she's giving him is her own, you can't stop her from doing it.