DEAR ABBY: Some friends who live out of state just left, after inviting themselves to stay at our home while they attended to family business. We live in a town with many hotels. We enjoy their company, but when we visited them last year, we stayed at their bed and breakfast (at their invitation) and were charged $175 a night even though there were empty rooms at their inn.
My wife says I should shut up, but I feel used. Your thoughts? -- MIFFED IN MICHIGAN
DEAR MIFFED: Your feelings are accurate. You welcomed this couple as friends; they welcomed you as paying guests. Now that you know this about them, treat them accordingly. The next time they invite themselves to your home, tell them you'd love to visit with them while they're in town and refer them to a hotel.
P.S. If this has happened more than once, it could only be because you allowed it.