Teen should set up cab fare fees

Dear Amy: I am 18. Sometimes I drive family members and their friends to and from the clubs and other places to keep drunken drivers off the road -- and also to make extra cash.

My aunt and uncle have been good about paying me when I drop them off.

Sometimes I’ll also drive them when they have friends with them. If the friends don’t pay me, I’m fine as long as someone pays.

Recently I drove my aunt and uncle. They had brought another couple. The second couple paid me as they were getting out of the car. I declined, but they insisted.

As my aunt and uncle were leaving, they promised to pay me the next day.

The second couple paid me plenty, but I don’t have time for a full-time job, so any money makes everything easier on me.

It’s been a week, and I still haven’t heard from my aunt and uncle about money. Would it be wrong to ask? Or should I just wait and hope they keep their promise?

The DD

Dear DD: I assume that you aren’t running an illegal “gypsy cab” service but are offering occasional rides to family members in exchange for gas money and compensation for your time.

You need to establish a fee structure, make sure everyone knows what it is and adhere to it.

::

Dear Amy: I am 55, and the woman I was engaged to is 50.

We have known each other for many years, but our lives kept us from connecting until recently. We made plans. I gave her an engagement ring.

She was living with another man, but according to her that relationship had no future. She recently had surgery and went to her mother’s to recover.

After 30 days she went back to her old boyfriend’s and is sleeping in his bed but assures me that nothing is going on and that I have nothing to be upset about.

She recently sent me an e-mail telling me that it was for the best that we end our relationship and that it’s my fault!

Your thoughts?

Deceived

Dear Deceived: I agree with your ex that it’s over between you two. I also agree with her that ending this relationship is for the best.

I agree with you that you were deceived -- but disagree with the source of your deception.

You ignored every obvious road sign and deceived yourself. Now stop soliciting other opinions and get on with your life.

Send questions to Amy Dickinson by e-mail to askamy@tribune.com or by mail to Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.