Dear Abby: My husband and I have three adult children, and they all still live at home. I always thought once they graduated college and got a good job they should start paying rent. My husband said he would never do that to his kids because he had to pay rent while living at home.

Our oldest, “Samantha”, is now 31 years old. He has a well-paying job and drives an expensive car. She does almost nothing around the house but buys her own food and toiletries.

The other two help a lot around the house, often without being asked. Sometimes Samantha does something, but I have to ask multiple times and it usually takes weeks to get it done. He can’t afford to move because of his huge student loan debt. Besides, why would he move when he can live rent-free and come and go as he pleases? Even his dog lives here for free.

My husband and I have had many discussions about this issue at my prompting and it is causing us to argue and me feeling resentful towards him. I couldn’t implement anything without his support because apparently my opinion doesn’t matter, so I stay angry and wonder why I’m here. How can I keep him from realizing how wrong he is and eventually turning on our daughter?

— Disappointment in New Jersey

Dear Frustrated: Conflicts over child-rearing have destroyed marriages. Children should never be allowed to come between their parents, which seems to be what happened in your case. It sucks when your husband makes you feel like your opinion doesn’t matter. Does this disrespect carry over to aspects of your relationship other than this disagreement? Your daughter, who is 31 (!) and gainfully employed, should have started taking responsibility for herself years ago. Discuss this with a licensed mental health professional; so you can learn to be more assertive.

Dear Abby: I’m in a relationship with a nice man. He respects me, appreciates me, and accepts me (flaws and all) and we get along really well. He is my other half.

Everything’s great except he’s been having bad breath lately, like it’s a tooth decay or something. I’ve always been the quiet, shy type, never talking about things that bother me (my children’s father abused me for several years), and I’m uncomfortable saying it openly. But Abby, her bad breath is driving me crazy. When he tries to kiss me I give him a few kisses but I am disgusted by the unpleasant smell.

How can I handle this issue kindly and respectfully? I don’t want to embarrass him. How can I bring this up?

– Delayed in Massachusetts

Dear Procrastinator: Bring this up NOT as a criticism, but because you love and care about him. Do it for Him, not for yourself. There may be problems with their teeth, gums or digestive system. In terms of his general health, he should first be checked by his dentist and then possibly by his doctor.