Dear Abby: Boyfriend’s mom gives generous gift with irritating conditions

DEAR ABBY: My fiance and I have been together for 14 years. A few months ago, his mother told us she had inherited a home that had belonged to her parents, and she wanted to gift it to us. I was skeptical because any gift from her comes with tons of strings attached.

We were told it would take a few months to get the paperwork in order, so in the meantime, could we help with the upkeep of the property until we moved in? We agreed, but she dictates the day and time. My fiance and I have two days off each week. On one of them, we are off together, and on the other we aren't. We planned it that way.

Well, ever since he has been helping with the upkeep, my fiance's mom insists it be done on our day off. She says it's because her husband is also off. Am I wrong to be upset that my fiance chooses to do the upkeep on "our" day off vs. his day off? This has been consistent for the last three or four weeks.

I called his mother and asked if he could just come on his day off. Her response was, "Oh well, you'll be here soon enough, and he can do it whenever," but she also said her husband will still come to help, which makes me think this will be something I will be dealing with forever. Any advice? -

DEAR STRINGS: Grit your teeth, count your blessings and accept reality. This won't last forever, and in the end, you will be richer 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.