DEAR HARRIETTE: I travel frequently for work. After a promotion, I treated myself to a nice carry-on bag. It is high tech, and it came with a battery so I can charge my electronics on the go.
In the few weeks between trips, friends and roommates have asked if they can take my suitcase on a trip. I don't want to share my carry-on, and I would be angry if it were broken. It is clear I won't be using it every weekend, since my work trips are twice a month. How do I make it clear that I won't be sharing my latest splurge without seeming like a selfish friend? -- Carry Off, Cleveland
DEAR CARRY OFF: Uh-oh! It looks like you have been bragging a little too much about your new toy. Now your friends want in on it. Here's what you can do: Tell the truth. Start by admitting that it would break your heart -- and your wallet -- if you loaned your carry-on to someone and it got broken, for whatever reason. Tell your friends that you value your friendship too much to allow a carry-on to stand in your way.
To avoid potential conflict down the line, suggest that anyone who is interested in your bag should buy one for him- or herself. Direct the interested party to the store where you purchased it, and leave it at that.
If you have an old carry-on that is currently out of rotation, feel free to offer that as an option. If you get the wanton look that says, "This is not the one," remind your friends that you are keeping the peace by holding onto your new bag.