Classic Ann Landers

Editor's Note: Hundreds of Ann Landers' loyal readers have requested that newspapers continue to publish her columns. These letters originally appeared in 1999.

Dear Ann Landers: I am at my wits' end over a situation that involves my wife, my daughter and my daughter's boyfriend. About 18 months ago, the boyfriend decided to start his own business. My wife, "Lynn," volunteered to help him set up the bookkeeping system and other aspects of the start-up. Now, Lynn is working more than 40 hours a week — for free. She is more committed to the business than he is.

We have discussed this issue at length, and Lynn says she enjoys the challenge and that I should "stay out of her business." She also says the company would fail without her, and I believe it. Meanwhile, I am working full time at a stressful, difficult job, and have to take up the slack at home, which means doing all the dishes, cooking, cleaning, laundry and so on.

I don't suspect any monkey business between my wife and our daughter's boyfriend, but this guy is very charismatic. I can't figure out if this is some weird subconscious attempt on Lynn's part to relive her youth vicariously through her daughter, or if she is trying to compete with her.

I have toyed with the idea of giving her a reasonable period of time to extricate herself and saying I will leave if she does not. After 30 years of marriage and two wonderful, grown children, this seems like a drastic move, but I've had it.

I would appreciate some advice from you, Ann. — Need Direction in California

Dear Calif.: Let me get this straight — your daughter's boyfriend is starting a new business, and your wife is helping him to the tune of 40 hours a week? Meanwhile, you are cooking, doing dishes and laundry, and cleaning, in addition to working at your stressful job? You say you've had it and want to know if I have any advice? Well, yes, I do.

Tell your wife you are resigning as chief cook and dishwasher, and if she wishes to continue to knock herself out for this young man, it's OK with you, but not at the expense of her share of the home responsibilities. If she doesn't agree to cool it with the self-inflicted second job, insist on joint counseling, and let the counselor establish the appropriate guidelines.

Dear Ann Landers: I am a 28-year-old mother of one lovely child. After a long and costly divorce, now broke but happy, I find myself in love with a wonderful man — my Prince Charming. We both fantasize about getting married in a beautiful church wedding with ushers, bridesmaids, organ music, etc., but as a divorced Catholic, can this be a reality? If so, what are the steps we must take to make it happen? If not, what are my options? Please help my dream come true. — Cinderella Hopeful

Dear Cinderella: Yes, it's possible for your dream to become a reality. Contact your local pastor, and he or she will instruct you about the steps needed to get an annulment. Happy wedding bells.

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ANN LANDERS (R)

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