DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend and I recently bought our first house together. It has an outdoor kitchen and other features he really likes. I like it too, but there have been some issues already in the first month or two. Lately, he's been wanting to have BBQs and get-togethers for his family. He invites all these people over who I don't know. I'm not comfortable having people over all the time. He does it to show off the house.

I'm exhausted from all these parties. Although I have expressed to him that I'm not comfortable, he still does it without asking me. I have expressed my feelings and concerns, but he doesn't seem to care. I am a private person and want to enjoy my home. We did have a housewarming party, but he always wants to have more. I don't know what to do anymore. He gets upset, and I'm always stuck cooking and cleaning. To him, I'm a party pooper and a grump. I just want my voice heard and for him not to be so selfish and a show-off. I also want him to consider my family, too. How do I cope? -- PARTY POOPER IN THE WEST

DEAR PARTY POOPER: A step in the right direction would be to quit playing cook and unpaid maid. Your inconsiderate boyfriend knows you don't like doing it, so draw the line. Tell him you don't like being ignored and will no longer tolerate the situation he has created. If he refuses to compromise, talk with an attorney about a plan for him to buy your half of the house. No law says this has to be your future.

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