I’m 36 and the mistress for 12 years to a man I helped immigrate here. I helped him and his family financially, but last year I learned he’s had a relationship since 2005 with a younger woman from our country. He even supports her for her school and some finances.    
      He already found a job here, so I audited what he owes me, but he’s not agreed to pay me. He defended his cheating by saying they’re only communicating through phone and Internet.    
      His wife, who’s still back home, is friendly to me and we chat sometimes, but I feel she just used me to get her and their children here soon.    
      I’m in a big financial mess and work seven days a week. He and I are still together, but I don’t trust him. He said he’ll eventually drop this young girl and that his marriage is mainly for their children.    
      His wife also told me that she’s opening her heart to someone else, but I don’t believe any of them. I feel they’re all using me. I don’t have friends to turn to because I’m always in denial.
      - In Turmoil

Add up the evidence and you’ll find that these people have had a free ride from you for long enough. Further “denial” would be self-destructive.    
      Send this man packing without any further payouts to him. Hopefully, you can also stop working as hard, since others are benefiting instead of you.    
      Reality check: With his wife so friendly to you as his mistress, you should’ve known the whole family was banking on your labour. It’s time you find a man who doesn’t already have a wife and another girlfriend.

My boyfriend of 18 months and I, are very happy; however, his parents hate me. His mother was heart-broken when he broke up with his previous girlfriend of six years.    
      We did start something before their split and that was wrong, but his parents have resented me for it. His ex regularly visits them and recently was invited to bring her new boyfriend along.    
      I was hurt because I’ve never had a phone call from his parents inviting me. His mother’s written me emails saying that she wants to let the walls down, but something always happens to show me that I’m not wanted around.     
      I’ve given up wanting to be around them because I feel unwanted. I’m scared that this is not only going to tear my boyfriend and me apart, but it may have a very negative effect on his relationship with his parents.
      - Looking for Answers

You and your boyfriend won’t stay as “happy” as you say unless an effort is made on both sides to create some acceptance between you.     
      His parents have carried their judgmental attitude too far – after all, their son was fooling around on his ex, it wasn’t just you who started things.     
      Nevertheless, his mother has recognized that her “walls” are also wrong. It’s now up to your boyfriend to make a clear statement that his parents MUST invite you over and make you feel welcome.    
      This is no time to give up. When you do see his parents, don’t look for exclusions. They don’t know you well, so may find making conversation difficult. Help them.
      Show an open, friendly manner – bring flowers or homemade cookies, talk about things you two are doing together; describe your work or schooling, etc.    
      If they remain cold, it’s your boyfriend who must show the consequences … his own distancing from them.

My daughter, 25, has been troublesome since age 16. She was perfect when young, then stopped talking to us. She finished university and is working. She accompanied her father and me to counselling but instead of changing, she moved out.     
      She lives 10 minutes away, pays high rent, while we’re both unemployed and struggling. She won’t speak to us in our language and won’t discuss getting married. Our other kids are well behaved.    
      In our culture, a daughter living alone is a big no-no. She hardly talks even talks to my son.
      - Wanting A Relationship

So long as she’s managing her personal life and work without asking for support, or having obvious health problems – you’ll not convince her to live as you choose.
      But, if you show respect for her need for distance, while still maintaining some contact to express your caring and interest in her wellbeing, she may eventually renew your relationship.