DAR ABBY: I am 15 years old and a sophomore in high school. At the beginning of the school year, "Ben," a senior, asked me to go to the winter festival dance. I said yes. We began dating and soon we became girlfriend and boyfriend.
Two weeks before the dance, I bought a beautiful dress, and Ben came over to see it. He said liked it very much. The next day, I heard that Ben was seeing someone else. I still thought that he was taking me to the dance because he didn't say otherwise. I got all ready, but he never showed up.
Abby, that dress cost me over $60. I can't return it, because the receipt says that special-occasion dresses are not returnable. My question: Should I ask Ben to pay me back the money I spent on the dress? -- STOOD UP
DEAR STOOD UP: Ben is irresponsible and immature. He should have told you that he no longer intended to take you to the dance.
A young man who stands his girlfriend up isn't likely to reimburse her for the dress. So, put it away for another special occasion -- and a more special fellow. You won't have to look far!