She’s reduced to dog-sitting
DEARAMY » I met my boyfriend (online) a year ago. I lived in another state, was independent and had a decent job, but struggled financially.
I have no family left. When my guy and I talked, it was electric! This man offered me so much. After only a few months, he asked me to move to his state. He said he would take care of me. He is seven years older than me (I’m no spring chicken).
We discussed this at great length. I didn’t want to move and be stuck with some crazy lunatic.
After being here for a short time, our sex life went downhill. We now sleep in separate rooms. He has taken care of me financially ( like he said he would). He has five corgis that I have fallen in love with, but I now feel like I am being used.
He has gone on several “work” trips, and I have kept his dogs. He is now planning a threeweek trip, saying that it’s “work,” but signs (and my gut) say otherwise!
The problem is that I am broke and dependent on him. I feel I am being used as a housekeeper, cook, and dog watcher — period.
I am at a loss. I’m so scared to start over. I have health issues that prevent me from doing the type of job I’m used to.
If I catch him in this lie (my friend suggested a GPS tracker), do I have grounds to go to court to sue for financial aid?
He is good to me otherwise, although I do have issues with his racism and his habit of damming God. — Lost in Bama
DEARLOST » This is a dangerous game. You ignored your own sense of caution, and have landed without a safety net. You should make efforts to get out.
If you are a religious person, you should join a church to meet people, and ask for help with housing. You might be able to rent a room in someone else’s home in exchange for the same services you are offering this man. If you are an able and enthusiastic dog lover, once you are out of the home, you might be able to charge him (and others) for dogsitting.
Use the internet to explore other creative living options, with the same enthusiasm you used this medium to meet him. People who have seasonal homes sometimes hire house sitters to stay in their houses during the off-season. An internet search reveals several ways of connecting with house-sitting services.
DEARAMY » I loved your advice to “Lucky Sibling” regarding sharing her wealth, but you perpetuated a common misunderstanding regarding the tax implications of gifts. Most people believe that the “gift exemption” rule applies to the person who receives the gift. It applies to the giver. — Tax Adviser
DEARADVISER » I have heard from dozens of advisers, helping to correct my mistake. Most importantly, anyone giving a substantial gift should contact their own financial adviser, as I suggested “Lucky Sibling” should do.