Dear Annie: I am 60 years old and the mother of five grown children. I raised them mostly on my own after my divorce, and those years were not easy. There were slammed doors, late nights waiting up and more than a few tearful arguments. My daughters, especially during their teenage years, could be painfully cruel with their words. But somehow, we all made it through.

These days, I am close to one of my daughters in particular. She calls often, leans on me for advice and turns to me whenever life throws her a curveball. I am always there with a listening ear, a home-cooked meal or a little financial help if she needs it. I love her deeply.

But our relationship has a painful edge. She can be harsh and unpredictable. The smallest misunderstanding can turn into an explosion. If I say the wro

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