Stepdaughter's tantrums create family challenge
DEAR AMY: My college roommate's boyfriend, "Dan," was recently injured in a motorcycle accident. The other driver's insurance covered replacing the bike and his medical expenses are covered.
Since Dan owns a small business and isn't able to work, he is receiving financial help from his parents.
His children are going to summer camp at half price (because of the accident). People take them meals. They're in their best financial situation in years!
Now he's set up a "caring campaign." He writes the updates himself and pretends that his girlfriend wrote them. He's raised over $5,000.
I won't donate, but I've had mutual friends ask about it. Part of me feels it's not my place to say anything, but I'm so annoyed that people are helping this scam artist. My former roommate even rolls her eyes, but this doesn't stop her from soliciting money. -- Disgusted
DEAR DISGUSTED: These campaigns are more common, as various websites have made it easy to solicit donations for virtually anything. It is each individual's responsibility to make a choice about donating.
If asked, be honest about your own choice, but no -- I don't think you should denounce him as a "scam artist."
DEAR AMY: "Always a Bridesmaid" reported her despair that her boyfriend of seven years simply would not propose. Weddings had become very painful for her.
Oh, boy. I feel bad for her, but I have news. If he hasn't proposed by now, he never will. -- Been There
DEAR BEEN THERE: I quite agree.
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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook. Amy Dickinson's memoir, "The Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Mother, a Daughter and the Town that Raised Them" (Hyperion), is available in bookstores.)
