Dear Abby: I’m done providing free lodging for elderly aunt with gambling addiction

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.

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Abigail Van Buren

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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.

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