Millionaire boyfriend proves stingy with airline rewards

DEAR ABBY: I am in a long-distance relationship with a man who lives halfway across the country. Because he’s very wealthy, he arranges for all the airfare. I am a single mother and I have limited finances.

“Bruce” owns a successful business and, through his business, racks up millions of credit card points. He never pays out of pocket for any vacation expenses — hotels, car, airfare, cruises, etc.

Because I have been flying so often to see him, I have been bumped several times from my flights and received travel credits on the airlines, which I was excited to get because now I have the ability to fly with my children somewhere.

The problem is, Bruce insists I use the vouchers only to see him since they were obtained on his points. I argued that they were my vouchers for giving up my seats. He says, yes, the seats he “bought.”

Getting airfare is absolutely no skin off his nose — he has millions of dollars and millions of points! Am I out of line here? — BUMPED IN KANSAS

DEAR BUMPED: I don’t think so. However, you are getting an insight into Bruce — who appears to be unwilling to subsidize any travel that includes your children. If you haven’t already noticed, that should be a big red flag if you’re considering a future with this millionaire.

DEAR ABBY: My three best friends over the last four years recently decided to start a business together. They said I was more than welcome to join them, but financially I wasn’t able to swing it. I work part-time, so I have been helping them when I can.

When we get together for dinner once a month, most of their conversation focuses on their business. But recently they discussed a shopping trip they took together. They went on a day I could have gone, but I was not invited. Should I take this — and other similar incidents — as a hint that our friendship has run its course? — FEELING LEFT OUT

DEAR FEELING LEFT OUT: Talking about the shopping trip in front of you was insensitive. However, you may not have been invited because your friends were afraid you might be embarrassed it you could not participate in the shopping. You mentioned that their business arrangement is recent. They may be discussing business because that’s what is on their minds.

Don’t write them off or withdraw just yet. You can always do that. Wait to see how things play out.

DEAR ABBY: Help! I’m a 67-year-old man being relentlessly chased by a 68-year-old woman. I have told her I want to date other women and will be moving out of the country at the end of the year. Despite this, she is constantly trying to maneuver me into an exclusive relationship, probably ending in living together. I don’t want to hurt her, but I’m at a loss as to how to get her to back off. — HAPPILY UNCOMMITTED

DEAR UNCOMMITTED: Here’s how. Tell her you can’t handle the pressure she’s putting on you and end the relationship now.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www. Dearabby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.