DEAR ABBY: My girlfriend, who lived with me for three years, left me. The reason is that I went on a cruise and took my 24-year-old son instead of her. (Her father was scheduled for heart bypass surgery during that time, and only half our money would have been refunded if we canceled.) She moved out and is now living with her dad. What do you think about this? I need a woman's opinion. -- HURTING IN ANDERSON, IND.
DEAR HURTING: Here it is: Your romance is probably history. When she needed your emotional support, instead of being there for her, you went sailing off into the sunset with your son. Had you said, "To heck with the money, I won't leave you until we're sure everything is all right," you would still be together.
You might try offering an apology for abandoning her, but I can't guarantee it will be accepted. And frankly, I can't blame her.