DEAR ABBY: Our friend, "Jake," and my husband have helped each other out for years. Jake repairs our cars; my husband helps him out with his computer needs.
The last time we had trouble with our car, Jake said he'd look at it. He called later and said we needed new brakes, some adjustments, and that some of the fluids needed to be changed. He estimated the cost would be about $200.
When Jake finished the repairs, he brought our car back (instead of our picking it up like we usually do) and left a bill in the car for $400 -- $100 for brakes and fluids, $300 for labor.
We were shocked. Jake never charged for his labor before, and my husband has never charged Jake for working on his computer. We contacted a nearby auto repair shop to compare prices, and they quoted less than Jake charged us. Now we don't know what to say or do. Help! -- BARTERING BLUES
DEAR BARTERING: Too bad Jake didn't warn you in advance that he was renegotiating the arrangement. Give him his money, and in the future, charge for any help he requests for his computer. You don't have to end the friendship -- just take a giant step backward and take nothing for granted.