DEAR ABBY: I am a woman in my 30s working two jobs to make ends meet after a divorce. A few months ago, I met a nice gentleman who has been understanding about my situation and crazy hours, and we have a pretty stable relationship. Feelings have developed, and we're thinking about getting more serious.
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He recently disclosed that he's actually very wealthy. He works full time and has a modest lifestyle, so the news caught me off-guard.
I enjoyed his company before the revelation, and I almost wish he hadn't told me. Now that his secret is out, he has been going over the top with gifts and offering to pay for things so I won't have to work a second job. Because I have always worked hard and offered to pay for dates, I have declined his offers, and I feel really awkward about accepting the extravagant gifts he insists on giving me. I think it's making him more attracted to me because I'm not like his past girlfriends who tried to take advantage of his wealth.
This may seem like a happy complaint, but I'm starting to have doubts about this relationship because it seems like we live in completely different worlds. I really like him and want this to work out, regardless of his money. Do you think there's a way to salvage this relationship and turn it back to the way things were? -- DON'T WANT THE GLASS SLIPPERS
DEAR DON'T: I sure do. Tell the gentleman exactly what you told me, or show him this column and tell him the letter was written by you. In a successful relationship, honest communication is essential. Now that you know more about his financial situation, things will never be the way they were, but by continuing the conversation, the two of you can navigate through this.