Not enough room for mom and boyfriend

DEAR ABBY: “Jenny” was my best friend. I had to end our relationship because she had allowed her mother to destroy it.

Jenny is 35 and her mother cooks, cleans, does her laundry and makes her bed for her. I would return from work and find her mother sleeping next to her every day. It seemed to be her way of putting a wedge between us.

If we went to a concert, we had to buy three tickets because Jenny had to bring her mother. When I would ask Jenny out to dinner, she would say, “Can Mom come?” Is this normal? If we had an argument, her mother would get involved, and I would always be in the wrong. — Three’s Too Much Company

DEAR TOO MUCH COMPANY: Jenny’s primary relationship was — and probably forever will be — with her mother. You may have felt that Jenny was your best friend, but Jenny’s best friend is her mother — a bond that her mother works very hard to keep intact. Accept it, expand your social circle and move on.

DEAR ABBY: I lost my cat a year ago and would like another pet, but I cannot afford it.

The pharmaceutical prices are unaffordable, with vaccinations, flea medicine and meds when the pet is sick — not to mention end-of-life care.

I am elderly and, while not rich, I do get by. But I cannot afford pet insurance. I am a widow, and a pet would be a great comfort to me. Any ideas? — Mona in Yuba City, Calif.

DEAR MONA: Have you considered fostering a cat while an animal rescue group finds a permanent home? Contact some in your area and ask whether they cover veterinary expenses. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Also, contact a no-kill shelter and inquire if it’s possible to foster a pet or to volunteer there. In addition to the gratification you will get, you will be doing the kitty a huge favor.

DEAR ABBY: I am 64 and my live-in fiance is 73. He has no retirement or savings. He has a winter job he loves and works occasionally in the summer. We will not marry so we can keep our finances separate, and he has contributed one-fifth toward my home.

My problem is he wants to go out to dinner all the time. I suggest that we eat at home to save money. We have upcoming roof and boiler expenses. Any suggestions? — Money Management in Colorado

DEAR M.M.: Point out that because of the upcoming maintenance expenses, eating out as often as he wants is more than you can manage, and that if he wants to eat out, HE will be the one paying for it.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www. Dearabby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.