Dear Abby:
Our 20-year-old son lives at home while working full time, but he doesn’t contribute in any meaningful way. He refuses to do chores, won’t pay for anything he uses—not even his car insurance, which he previously agreed to cover—and recently moved his girlfriend into our home without asking. He then brought home a dog, also without permission.
He struggles with anxiety and depression, but instead of seeking proper treatment, he insists marijuana is enough. Any time we try to discuss his responsibilities, future plans, or even basic contributions to the household, he explodes into shouting and punching walls.
We feel stuck. We could ask him and his girlfriend to leave, but we worry he’ll end up in a dangerous living situation. He’s resentful that his friends went to college, but he had no interest in school and didn’t earn the grades to go. How can we address this without every conversation turning into a fight?
— Exasperated Mom in Texas