Greetings, Abby How should I deal with an older relative who is addicted to gambling? There are casinos in the town where I live. She lives four hours away in another state. She frequently calls to ask to stay with me, to use my house when I’m traveling, and so on.She called me a year ago because she was out of control and needed help getting banned from gambling in her home state. She views me as her gambling retreat because she can no longer gamble where she lives, cannot afford a hotel, and travels to towns with casinos.I’ve mentioned that my place is small and that I share a room with someone. Since I’m health conscious, I have no interest in having someone who spends hours at a craps table at my house, and I simply cannot host her. She refuses to give up! Is cutting off contact with her my only choice? — I’m not wagering on her.
DEAR NOT BETTING: One way is to screen her calls. The alternative is to keep saying that you have a roommate and your space is too small to accommodate her. Then urge her to take up another pastime. She might quit asking you and find another enabler if you do.
Stories by
Abigail Van Buren
-
Dear Abby: My husband is the love of my life, but his teeth are just disgusting
-
Dear Abby: Wannabe interior decorator balks at having to consult her husband over every change
-
Dear Abby: I told my friend she can t compare loss of elderly dog to loss of my teen son, but she won t listen
Greetings, readers: Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and it wouldn’t be the same without reciting the classic prayer that my beloved late mother wrote: Oh, Heavenly Father,We remember the hungry and give thanks to Thee for providing nourishment.We remember the sick and give thanks to Thee for health.We remember the friendless and give thanks to Thee for our friends.We remember the oppressed and give thanks to Thee for freedom.May we be inspired to serve by these memories.that others may benefit from what you have given us.Amen.Everyone, have a joyous and secure celebration! — Dear, ABBY
Abigail Van Buren, better known as Jeanne Phillips, is the author of Dear Abby. Her mother, Pauline Phillips, began the company. For more information, visit www.DearAbby.com or send an email to P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
