My girlfriend of over three years, and I, never fought before this year. We have a child, age 2, and another, age 8, from her previous relationship. She had issues with my not helping out enough, but in the past six months I've changed.
However, she's developed a drug and alcohol problem. She says it's because she's resentful of me not being the "Dad" I should be.
Recently, after having gone out every night that week, she didn't come home for two nights. She found her bags packed, on the porch.
I learned she'd stayed at some dirt-bag drug addict's house; she says they have feelings for each other.
I've taken the kids. She didn't resist.
She works out of our home, on my computer, and if I don't let her back in, she'll lose her job.
The guy she's been with is a thief, and I'm concerned I'll find all my stuff gone.
She won't consider drug rehabilitation because she's in denial, and also thinks it can be used against her in a custody battle.
She was an amazing mother.
Do I kick her to the curb or risk losing what I have in hopes she'll change?

- Lost

Separate, or stay together; but don't try half-measures, as you'll end up putting the kids at risk more than your stuff.
You can't throw her "to the curb" without any means. Get her a computer so she can try to keep her job, wherever she's living.
See a lawyer to learn your rights and responsibilities in this situation. Offer to help her come back home when she wants to, provided she deals with her addictions. Be prepared that she may sink even lower before she recognizes that she needs help.
You'd benefit from attending a meeting of Al-Anon/Alateen to learn more about addictions, how families are affected by them, and various coping strategies. Call 1-888-4AL-ANON (1-888-425-2666) Monday thru Friday, 8 am - 6 pm EST for meeting locations in North America.

I have a rocky relationship with my Mom. She'd make sure that me and my siblings got top grades at school, then say our awards should've had her name on them. She talked me out of attending the university of my choice, saying that the family hadn't enough funds to send me away.
So I attended my hometown university, and regret it. I had to take out a student loan after all.
Later, I had a great full-time job but was still living with my parents.
Mom constantly said I should be grateful for the money saved.
Then, after a heated argument, I moved out on my own.
Recently, Mom and I argued again. She asked why I couldn't be grateful for her efforts, and said I shouldn't blame her for my university "choice."
If we don't talk about the past, we get along well. However, I don't know how to recognize her "accomplishments" when those titles belong to me.

- Hurt by Mom

Mom may not change her perspective, but you can change the way you react.
You completed your own education, and you secured your great job. Everyone knows this, including you, so what difference does it make if Mom feels she had a hand in it?
Yes, she's seeking some approval for her child-rearing "job," but, you're showing a lack of self-esteem, which is out of whack with what you've achieved.
Focus on your present independence, enjoy getting along with Mom, and end this unnecessary chat about the past.

My boyfriend thinks that etiquette requires that all our siblings be in our wedding party. He wants six men to stand up for him (including my two brothers) while I only want two women.
More important, his sister doesn't support our getting married because we've decided not to have children (we may adopt); she believes I "turned" him against children.
He's even said that she's phony, selfish and crazy.
I don't want her in my wedding, but I don't want to hurt my man.

- Troubling In-law

There's no "rule" in today's wedding variations about having all siblings in the wedding party. But it's clear that your guy is worried about his difficult sister's reaction if excluded.
One compromise is to each choose two closest people, and give other roles to the siblings e.g. one to toast the bride, another to toast the groom and a third as master/mistress of ceremonies.