Dear Annie: I am a faithful reader and love your matter-of-fact approach, which is why I am writing.

I am a 40-year-old single mom. I work part time and am nearly finished with my college education. I am in love with “Michael.” We have been living together for a year, and he is a great deal of help with my children.

Michael pays the majority of the bills with no complaints. He is a very successful businessman, extremely generous to my children, and he dotes on me. My problem is, Michael never wants to get married. He is content with the way our relationship is now. We have had the conversation about marriage several times, but I always end up frustrated and upset.

We have both been married before. Michael always knew my intentions were to be in a stable relationship that would end in marriage. Knowing this, he still maintains a relationship with me.

I know Michael loves me tremendously, as I do him. What now? Should I sacrifice my happiness and continue this near-perfect relationship, or should I give him an ultimatum? — Driving the Wrong Way on a One-Way Street

Dear Wrong Way: The problem with ultimatums is that you must be prepared to follow through. Michael has what he wants from this relationship. An ultimatum could get him to commit, but he’s just as likely to leave.

The questions you need to ask yourself are, one, if the situation stays the same, will you be increasingly unhappy and resentful? And two, if he leaves, how much will you regret it? If you are willing to live without him, an ultimatum will certainly clarify your next step.

Dear Ann<$> My stepdaughter, “Lois,” is 30 years old and has one young child. They have recently begun to visit us every Sunday. Each visit begins about 2 p.m., runs through dinner and ends well after 8 p.m. These are not visits by invitation.

Lois doesn’t offer to help with cleanup or setup, nor does she bring a dish. In my family, we contribute. Sometimes a family member may ask us to help clear the table or put food away. Would it be considered improper etiquette to ask Lois to prepare a dessert for the next visit or help with the dishes? My husband thinks it is rude to ask this of anyone, no matter how many times they visit. I think a guest runs out of free meals after a while.

I don’t mind the visits, but I’d appreciate a little help. Recently, Lois yelled, “See you next Sunday,” as she left. What’s your opinion? — Help Wanted

Dear Help Wanted: Lois is family. It is perfectly OK to ask family and close friends who visit often to help set the table, clear the table, put food away or, as a regular Sunday dinner guest, to bring something for everyone to eat next time. It is, in fact, rude for Lois not to offer. Your husband is treating his daughter like a princess. We say it’s time she rejoined the common f.

Dear Annie: I read the letter from “Royally Annoyed,” whose co-worker, “Gina,” imitates her mannerisms, dress, accessories and verbal expressions.

My daughter has Asperger’s Syndrome (high-functioning autism), and for 19 years, I didn’t know it. I would say something, and she would repeat it as if it were her original thought. People with autism sometimes mimic others. It is not intentional.

Living with someone who has Asperger’s Syndrome has helped me be more understanding and judge less. I hope “Royally Annoyed” can be more compassionate toward Gina. — Lubbock, Texas

Dear Lubbock: Several readers suggested Gina may have Asperger’s, and if this is the case, we, too, hope “Royally Annoyed” can be more tolerant.