DEAR ABBY: The passenger side door of my friend "Rodney"'s truck does not close easily. A few weeks ago as I left the vehicle, I closed the door, but not completely. The locking mechanism prevented me from opening the door to reclose it, so I decided to push on it to force it closed.
I pushed the door with my posterior and heard a ringing, metallic popping sound. I leaned away from it and saw I had dented the door with my rear end!
Rodney had recently paid for two collisions with this truck, so I offered to pay for the damage I caused. I got estimates from two repair shops, and it will cost close to $1,000 to fix the door.
My girlfriend insists that it was not entirely my fault, and that I should tell Rodney to make a claim on his insurance for it.
Abby, what is your advice? -- WATCHING MY ASSETS
DEAR WATCHING: Rodney should not have to file a claim on his insurance, as that could increase the cost of his premium or possibly result in it being canceled. You damaged his vehicle, and you should pay to have it repaired. Fair is fair.