Saturday, February 21, 2004

DEAR CAT: About a month ago, my boyfriend and I broke up for a week. By the time we worked things out, my birthday had passed.

He hadn't given me anything because we weren't officially "together" then. Things are good now, but his birthday is coming up and I'm wondering whether I should give him anything. I don't want to be petty, but I think he should have given me a present, at least once we got back together. Your call?

--- NO PRESENT

DEAR NO: Either your beau has used the lamest trick in the book, or he's a little dense and needs a shove in the right direction. Yes, he should have given you a belated present, and I wouldn't let up until he produces one. But relationships go through bad times -- don't let them overshadow all the good times. How good can things be if you're holding a grudge? Let him know exactly what you're feeling, and you should be "presented" in no time.

Cat's Call: People learn best by example, so set a good one. And get shopping!

DEAR CAT: There's an antique/jewelry store in my neighborhood that I go into every so often. It's expensive, but I love looking until I can buy something. It's obvious that the owner "likes" me, and he's offered me a generous discount when I'm ready to purchase. With the discount, I can afford to buy something now, but would it be wrong to take advantage since I know he likes me?

--- ANTIQUE LOVER

DEAR ANTIQUE: If you had suggested the discount in the flirty hope that the owner would give in, that would be wrong. But business is business -- if the owner couldn't afford to offer the discount, he wouldn't. Hey, maybe this is his way of snagging a new customer. (You're probably not the first person to get a discount and a wink.) Unless he suggested the discount in exchange for a date with you, forget all the heavy morality and treat yourself to something nice.

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