Editor's Note: Hundreds of Ann Landers' loyal readers have requested that newspapers continue to publish her columns. These letters originally appeared in 1999.

Dear Ann Landers: Two years ago, I met a wonderful man, and we have been dating ever since. When "Bob" bought a home last May, he asked me to move in with him. I knew his mother would be moving in, too, but I thought it would be temporary.

Well, it's been eight months, and she is still here. I cook, clean and do laundry, but she does everything over again, saying I didn't do a good job. She has peculiar eating habits, which makes it difficult for me to prepare a tasty meal that everyone can enjoy. When I try to cook something she can eat, she claims my cooking "doesn't taste right" and adds other ingredients or dilutes it with water. She also tells me I shouldn't use a mop on the floor because "it's not clean unless you get down on your hands and knees and scrub."

I've told Bob several times that I am ready to pack up and leave, but he cries and begs me to stay. I honestly don't want to go, Ann. I really love the guy. Can you help me? — Exasperated in Salem, Oregon

Dear Salem: Face it. Your boyfriend is going to have to decide: Either his mother must live elsewhere, or you leave — unless, of course, you are willing to put up with the old battle-ax forever.

Since you aren't married yet, there's a chance you may win the power struggle, but I wouldn't bet on it. Your future mother-in-law is going to be a thorn in your side, a fly in your ointment and a bone in your throat forever. Get some counseling to give yourself confidence and strength. You're going to need it. Dear Ann Landers: Last night, I was driving in the city and hit a cat. "Just some stray animal," most people would say. I stopped my car and checked the poor creature, but it wasn't breathing. There was no identification, but I couldn't get over the guilt of thinking some child might be looking for "Fluffy" or "Tiger."

When I was growing up, my two cats were hit by cars. I begged my mother not to let them out, but she insisted that cats needed "prowling" time. That is the most insane thing I have ever heard. A pet is part of your family. Would you let a child out to play alone? Pets don't need to be out running around. Cats can be litter-trained. Dogs should be walked on a leash or kept in a fenced yard.

If one thing comes from this letter, I hope it is that people will take better care of their pets and give them the chance to grow old with the rest of the family. To the cat I hit last night: I'm sorry we couldn't have met under better circumstances. — E.M. in Lonoke, Arkansas

Dear E.M.: The accident was not your fault, so please stop tormenting yourself. I have said several times that pet owners should NEVER let their pets roam free. Anyone who takes on the responsibility of caring for an animal should be willing to keep it safe from harm. Your letter may save a few of those nine lives.

Gem of the Day: If you think you are a person of influence, try ordering someone else's dog around.

To find out more about Ann Landers and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

ANN LANDERS

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