Abigail Van Buren

Dear Abby

even more reason why you should share the cost of the rent.

What your question shows me is, if the relationship evolves further and you consider making it permanent, that premarital counseling could help you and your boyfriend avoid some pitfalls later. Disagreements about money often cause marriages to fail.

My sister says it’s rude to arrive at a party at the time specified on the invitation. She insists that if the time stated is 8 p.m., you shouldn’t arrive before 8:30. I disagree, and I told her I believe that guests should arrive on time and to be late is disrespectful. Her response was that I am behind the times. Please let me know who is correct. – ON TIME IN FLORIDA

DEAR ON TIME: Depending upon the type of party it is, there is leeway. If it’s a cocktail party, guests who prefer not to stand around drinking for hours may choose to arrive late. However, if it’s a dinner party, the guests should show up promptly so the meal can be served when it’s ready.

Sometimes a guest may be 15 or 20 minutes late because of unforeseen circumstances, but if someone is delayed for more than that, the host should be called and warned so the dinner can proceed without being ruined.

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.