Dear Ann Landers,
ur daughter, Grace, is twenty-three years old. We've given her voice lessons, piano, four years at a fine university, a trip to Europe, and plenty of love. Grace has an excellent job. She earns $400 a month. We don't ask for room and board. We only ask that she stop charging every-thing to us. As a college graduation gift we bought her a new car. Whenever I ask Grace to drive me somewhere she gets a pained look on her face. Yesterday she said, "How did you get to the doctor's office before I had a car?" Grace wants her own apartment but she says we should pay the rent. Frankly my nerves need a rest, and I'd be happy if she moved out. Please help me find the right words.-Tired

Dear Tired,
You've found the right words, but you are telling them to the wrong person. Grace is spoiled rotten. She is also an expert at mooching, which should come as no sur-prise. She's been practicing since childhood. Tell her to find an apartment. If she can't manage the rent, suggest she get a roommate. Too bad Grace and Regina, the subject of the next letter, five on opposite coasts. It would be lovely if they could get together.