Dear Abby: Son’s kindhearted parents feel victimized by girlfriend
[...] one month later, she has traded it in on a different one, no doubt gaining the extra equity.
Are we wrong to feel taken advantage of? I would add that we have always tried to help our only son as much as we can.
The result has been that we have been taken advantage of or not treated the way we think a son should treat parents who are not exactly well off.
Please don’t reject this letter as your advice is really needed.
Both have taken advantage of your kindness and generosity in one way or another, and you have every right to be upset about it.
While you can’t do anything about the past, that doesn’t mean you can’t open your eyes and watch out for yourselves in the future.
If I had a party, do you think guests would feel like I was bragging because I have paid off my home and they haven’t?
[...] unless your guest list is short and includes only people you are very close to, I’m not sure it would be appropriate to throw the kind of party you describe for exactly the reason you mentioned.
Start concentrating on school, sports and group activities.