We recently heard from "Deep Pockets," whose boyfriend — and I use the term as loosely — was a freeloader, a user, a cheap SOB and, in a word, a turd.

He lived at her house, contributing nothing but his appetite and his dirty laundry. She pampered him with special coffee, special soap and Pepperidge Farm cookies. When they went out, they used her car and her gas. When he picked up lunch for the two of them, he asked her for half.

And he wasn't poor. He was far from it. He retired two years ago with over a million dollars. When she gave him an ultimatum — start paying half of the bills or go home — he went home.

Here's what you had to say:

LAURA: I thought I was reading about Dan and me when I read about "Deep Pockets" and Bill. We owned a condo together and had agreed on who paid what. Somehow I always ended up paying more, even though Dan made more money. If I went to the store to pick something up, he always asked me to pick up razor blades, body wash, shaving cream — you name it.

It took me a very long time to realize that I should have put my foot down the first time it happened, just like when he'd invite his grown daughters over and expect me to shop, cook and clean up.

I had split the beneficiaries of my 401k and my life insurance policy three ways, between my son, my granddaughter and Dan. When Dan changed jobs, he called his youngest daughter and told her that he had just put her name on his life insurance policy so she would be responsible for his funeral. This just crushed me. What I should have done is contacted my insurance company and investment firm immediately and taken Dave's name off of them as a beneficiary — in front of him.

At some point we stop being victims and become volunteers! I've met both men and women who have been involved with a "significant other" or spouse who was selfish. This appears to be a learned behavior. When you look at the family of selfish people, you find that apples don't fall far from trees!

"Deep Pockets" is so much better off without this leech!

ANNIE: Why would "Deep Pockets" allow someone to treat her in such a manner for 10 years?

I may not be the brightest person, but why are some grown women allowing some men to treat them like something to be discarded? Where is a woman's self-respect, self-esteem and dignity?

I say to the single men and women: Wake up! Let's start a campaign to socialize in mixed groups — men and women together — and minimize the one-on-one crazy relationships until we find out about one another.

When I was in my 20s, we were big on socializing in groups and learning about one another. Everyone treated each other with respect. We had common interests and career aspirations. It's time to do it again.

What do you think of Annie's suggest that men and women spend more time socializing in groups and less time as couples until they really get to know each other? Send your thoughts, along with your questions, rants and problems to [email protected]. And check out my e-books, "Dear Cheryl: Advice from Tales from the Front" and "I'll Call You. Not.