A reader responds:

“I help family members and they take advantage of me. Before this family came to my home, I kept a clean and organized household. Now, I am constantly telling everyone, adults included, about picking this or that up and cleaning. I end up cleaning my house daily, something I did not have to do until now. One afternoon I was greeted with beer bottles in my yard and porch. The inside was trashed. I screamed and told all the adults that they invited over to leave and not return. I know people can only take advantage of you as long as you allow it. I decided to pack their belongings because their accommodation should never have become my responsibility. It is not fair to my children. I am also going to tell them the truth. They mistook my kindness for weakness. They will learn that they will not put me in this position ever again, and they have ruined the possibility of anyone receiving my help in the future. Last year I helped a cousin. Same result. I helped another close family member last year. Same result. No more. My family seems to believe that I am a sucker. Contrary to their belief, I am done!” (Letter shortened)