Dear LFTP: the ex-husband living in the van in her driveway
- How do I get my ex-husband out of the van in my driveway?
A listener writes that after she and her husband bought a van, her husband suggested her ex, Paul — homeless, choosing to be taken care of — buy it; Paul now lives in the van in their driveway, crashes on the couch, works in their business, and blows his pay on junk, and she feels like a second-class citizen. Nathaniel theorizes the new husband feels guilty for 'putting the moves on this guy's wife.' The advice: be firm with the current husband, tell Paul directly he must leave (call the law if he refuses), and get counseling without Paul; the Secular answer agrees the arrangement is crazy and guests, like fish, stink after three days.
More on Boundaries
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Dear LFTP: the mother-in-law moved in
- My mother-in-law moved in seven months ago and it’s been difficult — how can we sort this out?
The last letter comes from a wife whose mother-in-law moved in seven months ago with no boundaries, rising bills, unpaid prescriptions, and open disrespect.
From No. 604 · Rearview Mirror
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Dear LFTP: Ralph calls three or four times a week
- How can I get my retired friend Ralph to call less frequently without being rude?
The letter: 'Ralph,' a longtime best friend, retired and is bored, so he calls three or four times a week 'even when there's nothing new to talk about,' rehashing the same things; subtle hints haven't worked; letting it go to voicemail just earns a callback request.
From No. 602 · Relationship Counseling
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Dear LFTP: the senior-living handshake letter, and the close
- How can a senior-living resident politely decline the dining-room manager's handshakes?
Mike reads the second Dear LFTP letter: a senior-living resident whose dining-room manager (Manny) shakes hands at residents' tables, and who dodges with wet or greasy hands — how to decline politely?
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Dear LFTP: the fiance who games until 5AM
- What should the letter-writer do about her fiance's all-night gaming habit?
Mike reads a Dear LFTP letter from a woman engaged five years to Dustin, who games from 10PM to 5AM, skips chores, and gives her no attention; talking has not helped since 'he grew up gaming.'
From No. 598 · Emphasis | Accountability, Worship and Praying with Strangers