My problem is, he thinks nothing of planning weeks-long, extravagant vacations for us. I make twice what he does, but I prefer saving for the obvious debt in my future and taking shorter, less-expensive vacations.
Am I unreasonable in saying I’m uncomfortable with either of us spending thousands of dollars that would be better spent setting up our future together? – VACATION SCROOGE
DEAR SCROOGE: Oh, how I wish you had revealed more information about your boyfriend’s “strategic financial planning” because I’m sure many people would be very interested. However, if he’s investing in the stock market, he should know that it’s like an elevator – investments not only can go up, but they also can come down, and there are no guarantees regarding investment results.
Before this relationship goes further, I urge you and your boyfriend to seek not only couples counseling but also financial counseling. Few things are more destructive to a marriage than money woes, and you both need someone to explain exactly what a philosophy of “I want it all, and I want it now” will mean for your future.
DEAR ABBY: I’m having a problem with my boyfriend’s friend “Chuck.” Chuck constantly does things like open a door on me (which has left bruises), run into me “by accident” (which caused me to trip) or “accidentally” push me into the water. My boyfriend already knows I have strong reservations about his friend’s character, and it upsets him because Chuck is a childhood friend.