DEAR ABBY: I was friendly with a woman I'll call Paula. In the past, whenever I'd buy a lottery ticket I'd promise to buy her a house if I won.
Our friendship has become strained. In fact, we're no longer friends at all. It has been a year and a half since I've spoken to her.
Am I legally bound to buy Paula a house if I win? She's the kind of person who would take you to court and generally try to ruin your life. Could you please give me some advice and help me out of this jam? -- WINNER-TO-BE IN STAUNTON, VA.
DEAR WINNER-TO-BE: Yes. A verbal agreement is only as good as the paper it is written on.