DEAR ABBY: A number of years in the past, my grownup niece, with whom I'm very shut, discovered herself in some authorized difficulties and wanted an lawyer.
On the time, on account of some medical points, she wasn’t working and couldn't afford the lawyer’s retainer, so I provided to lend her the cash. I informed her she might repay me as soon as she started working once more.
9 months later she despatched me a test for $500 and, two months after that, one other one for $500. The retainer was $2,600.
My niece has been steadily employed for the final two years, but I've obtained no additional fee. I remorse that I didn’t arrange a proper reimbursement plan, however I by no means dreamed she’d default on the mortgage.
Her mom informed me she is saving as much as purchase a home and, apparently, she has cash to spend on pals and others.
I by no means informed her dad and mom that I loaned her the cash, and I don't know if she ever did, though I assume she hasn’t.
I’m torn between approaching my niece to remind her that the mortgage has not but been repaid and danger damaging the connection we now have, or suck it up and settle for that I’ll by no means see the cash.
Due to the pandemic, my husband has been out of labor for a lot of months. Whereas we aren't determined, the cash she owes me might be put to good use. Please advise.
GOOD DEED IN THE MIDWEST
DEAR GOOD DEED: Meet with or contact your niece to ask her for the cash she nonetheless owes you and, once you do, clarify that your husband hasn’t labored in lots of months and also you want it. Agree upon a reimbursement plan. Nonetheless, if she reneges once more, do focus on it along with her dad and mom. Maybe they will “encourage” their daughter to do the best factor. There should be a cause they didn’t entrance her the cash for her authorized downside. Let’s hope it wasn’t as a result of she stiffed them, too.
DEAR ABBY: A feminine relative desires to have a baby. She is 30. Nonetheless, her vital different of six years hasn’t proposed.
She feels her organic clock is ticking — loudly. What would you recommend household advise her to do?
I really feel that a girl who desires a baby ought to have one if she will afford to, no matter whether or not or not she’s married. However I perceive her preferring to be married first.
Time is operating out on the chance of growing a brand new relationship this late within the course of. What’s a lady to do?
WONDERING IN OHIO
DEAR WONDERING: The “woman” ought to ask her boyfriend of six years if he desires to be married to her. If the reply is sure, and he desires to be a father, her downside can be solved.
Nonetheless, if the reply is not any — and she will afford it — she ought to proceed on her path to motherhood with out him.
Somebody might come into her life later who would like to be a husband and a dad. And, if not, she can have fulfilled her organic crucial.
Pricey Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also called Jeanne Phillips, and was based by her mom, Pauline Phillips. Contact Pricey Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Field 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.