DEAR ABBY:

Twenty years ago, my oldest sister, "Olivia," loaned me $3,000 at a time when I was struggling to make ends meet. I promised to repay the loan at the end of the year. The time came and I wrote her a check for the full amount, but she didn't cash it. She said she didn't need the money and the loan was forgiven.

Fast-forward 20 years: While Olivia has remained financially stable, I am now in a better place financially because of an inheritance. After learning about this inheritance, Olivia asked me for the money back!

Because I can afford it, I plan on repaying her, but I can't get over her surprising request. Do you have any words of wisdom to help me make sense of this? -- UNSETTLED SIBLING

DEAR UNSETTLED:

Your sister may have forgiven the loan all those years ago because she thought repaying her would have caused you financial stress. Now that she knows you're well able to give her the money, she would like to have it. You and I don't know why she's asking for it, but trust me, there is always a reason.

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DEAR ABBY:

I have been talking to "Ricky" for about two months. I'm 28 and he is 27. A couple of weeks ago we decided to date exclusively. This morning, Ricky found out that his ex is three months' pregnant with his child. I knew he was last intimate with her three months ago, but we were both kind of shocked.

I don't have kids and I prefer not to date men who do, let alone one who has a baby on the way. However, I do care about Ricky and could definitely see us together. After this bombshell, I'm not sure what I want to do. Any advice would be appreciated. -- THROWN FOR A LOOP IN PHILADELPHIA

DEAR THROWN FOR A LOOP:

After this bombshell, the person who has some serious decisions to make is Ricky. Will this cause him to reunite with his ex-girlfriend? Is the baby really his child? If so, what will be his responsibility financially and morally? If he stays with you, do you want to help raise another woman's child?

Until you have a better idea of what lies ahead, my advice is to do nothing. You have known Ricky for only two months, and while you could see a future for the two of you, can you also see one that includes the three -- or four -- of you? I'm including the ex in the equation, because she'll be a part of it. Forever.

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DEAR ABBY:

I quit drinking three years ago. I realized I had a problem, addressed it, and I'm now sober. I never was a big drinker socially. I drank alone.

When I go out with friends for dinner, they usually rack up a large liquor bill, which is evenly split. Occasionally, I'll ask that the liquor portion of the bill be subtracted from my tab, but doing so makes me feel awkward.

I enjoy going out with these people, but I don't want to add another 20 to 25 percent to my tab. What's your advice for addressing this situation? -- SOBER IN THE SOUTH

DEAR SOBER:

Congratulations on your sobriety. A way to avoid being charged for the liquor your friends consume would be to quietly advise the server at the start of the dinner that you would like a separate check.

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Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in "What Every Teen Should Know." Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

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