DEAR ABBY: My mother, who lives paycheck to paycheck, has recently become good friends with "Rhonda," who is wealthy due to inherited money. They frequently go out to eat or on other excursions together, and Mom expects her friend to foot the bill. Rhonda, however, usually pays only for herself and expects Mom to pay her own way. It has made Mom angry enough to complain to me.
I told my mom that it's presumptuous of her to expect Rhonda to always pay. While it would be generous of her to pay for Mom too, I think the woman is allowed to do what she wants with her money. Mom says no, I'm wrong, and "those who have more should always be willing to pay for those who have less." What do you think? -- COMPLAINING IN THE SOUTH
DEAR COMPLAINING: I think that your mother's friendship with Rhonda may be nearing its end. I also think that because there is such a discrepancy in the amount of discretionary income your mother and her friend have, your mother should inform Rhonda that as much as she might like to frequently accompany her, financial reality prevents it. Alternatively, they could do something together that doesn't cost as much or is free.