DEAR ABBY: I've been married to the greatest man for the last eight years. We have only one problem. Because he's an avid golfer and I'm not, he promised me, before we were married, one vacation each year anywhere in the world. The choice is entirely mine to make.
Our travels so far have included India, Nepal, Vietnam, etc. In October, we have a cruise scheduled to the Middle East (Oman, Yemen, United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.) Abby, he absolutely refuses to go! The cruise line assures me that they won't sail if the Persian Gulf is not safe.
My husband reads only the sports section and your column in our local paper, so I know he'll see your answer. Shouldn't he keep his premarital travel agreement? Please advise. -- RESTLESS IN RANCHO MIRAGE
DEAR RESTLESS: The U.S. government issues travel advisories to alert American tourists when certain countries are experiencing a political climate that might be dangerous to them. Your travel agent should be able to reassure your husband that he won't be cruising into hostile waters.
However, that may not be the core issue. Regardless of the premarital agreement, joint vacations are meant to be enjoyed by both parties. Since you have the money, surely there is some other area of the world you could visit that you would both enjoy without one party being fearful. Why not negotiate?