DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am 71 years old and have been in a relationship with a 71-year-old man ("M.") for two years. We are living together, but I am financially independent. We share all expenses.
M.'s daughter (35, one of a set of twins), started insulting and disrespecting me over a year ago. The incidents have been blatant. M. promised to talk to her, but he never did, and the disrespect has escalated.
M.'s suggestion is that I work to mend the relationship. Am I being unreasonable to feel hurt by and resentful of both the daughter and M.? I am considering ending this relationship as a result of this perceived disrespect.
GENTLE READER: A referee's job is to be neutral. Parents have no such luxury when their children misbehave.
You are right to expect M.'s daughter to behave, and you are right to expect M. to speak to her when she does not. Tell him Miss Manners said so, and when you hear his response, you can decide whether it is time to end the relationship.