Guiding a student who lacks social skills

DEAR AMY: I live in an apartment close to my college. A girl I go to school with who lives far away asked if she could stay at my house one day a week for a few hours before classes. I happily agreed. I knew beforehand that she has physical, social and emotional issues, but I am afraid it has gone too far. She expects breakfast and lunch, which is fine with me, but she shows displeasure when she doesn't like the food choices. She just opens up the fridge, freezer and cabinets and tells me what she wants. I usually give her "easy" food like cereal and sandwiches, but one time she just opened up the fridge and asked me to make her sauteed vegetables! (She doesn't know how to cook, so I can't ask her to.) She expects so much and doesn't seem grateful -- she doesn't even put away her dishes when she finishes! What do I do? She doesn't realize she's asking too much of me. I don't want to kick her out. Where do I draw the line? Feeling Used

DEAR USED: Your classmate's social issues may include a true inability to read social (and friendship) situations that are second nature to most people. You can choose to cut this off entirely. But if you want to continue, you may have to teach her some basic skills.

Tell her, "I like having you here, but we're going to have to change our arrangement so it will work better."

Ask her to bring some groceries (or go grocery shopping together). Tell her she needs to ask you before she goes into the fridge or cupboards. And if she wants to eat a specific dish, tell her that if she brings the ingredients, you'll show her how to make it for both of you.

Don't expect her to be able to read your body language or tone of voice. Ask her simply, "Please take your dishes to the sink, and I'll show you how to wash them."

Navigating this with you could be a huge part of her education, and I give you a ton of credit for being willing to try.