Jeanne PhillipsDEAR ABBY: I am a woman in my 30s working two jobs to make ends meet after a divorce. A few months ago, I met a nice gentleman. Feelings have developed, and we're thinking about getting more serious.
He recently disclosed that he's actually very wealthy. Now that his secret is out, he has been going over the top with gifts. I have declined his offers. I think it's making him more attracted to me because I'm not like his past girlfriends who tried to take advantage of his wealth.
It seems like we live in completely different worlds. Do you think there's a way to salvage this relationship and turn it back to the way things were? - DON'T WANT THE GLASS SLIPPERS
DEAR DON'T: I sure do. Tell the gentleman exactly what you told me, or show him this column and tell him the letter was written by you. In a successful relationship, honest communication is essential. Now that you know more about his financial situation, things will never be the way they were, but by continuing the conversation, the two of you can navigate through this.
DEAR ABBY: I have been dating a man for three years. When we first met, he bonded very well with my three adult children. They liked him, and he was invited to every occasion.
My ex-husband is gay and is now married to his partner. We have remained friends and have even spent some occasions together. My boyfriend thinks this is totally dysfunctional, so I agreed that we would not spend occasions together anymore.
About a year ago, he started not wanting to participate in any event with my kids. We argued, and he said some nasty things about them. I was appalled. Had he just pretended to like them? He has had nothing to do with them for months.
My son is getting married next week, and when I told my boyfriend I don't think it's right that he come, he flipped out. Why would a man who didn't want anything to do with my kids expect to be welcomed at their wedding? Am I wrong? - PERPLEXED IN FLORIDA
DEAR PERPLEXED: Your children are not wrong. You are not wrong. The man you have been involved with for three years appears to be determined to isolate you from those to whom you are closest, and it is a big red flag! This isn't a question of right or wrong. It's a question of whether you want to continue a relationship with him and, if so, at what cost.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
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