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Dear Breakup Girl,

My boyfriend of almost a year and I broke up a few months ago, and we're currently not speaking. I'm completely over him, and seeing someone who is much better for me than he ever was. That's not the problem.

While we were together, we went on vacation together and ended up charging a lot of souvenirs, theater tickets, and sightseeing ventures to my credit card. (The total was over $700.) He promised me that he would pay back his half as soon as we got home, but we ended up breaking up almost immediately after the trip was over. We haven't really spoken since, but he never paid me back.

I have emailed him multiple times about this, but he never responds. I can't call him, because he's moved since we broke up, and I don't have his new number. I do, however, have his parents' phone number. They really like me, and I'm not sure they know that we're not still together.

I know this is going to sound silly and childish, but can I call his parents and ask them about the money? He does still receive financial support from them (he's a "professional student") (read: ambitionless bum), and they're much more likely to be able to get my money for me than he is. I'm not even entirely sure that he could afford to pay me back even if he wanted to, which he doesn't.

The downside is that I would feel guilty for creating conflict between him and his parents (who are great people), and it would be sort of awkward. I wouldn't consider it except that I really do need the money.

I promise you, I'm not trying to get him in trouble or get revenge in any way. If I could think of another way, I would. I'm just trying to get my money back. What do you suggest?

--Broken Up and Broke

Dear Brok/en Up,

Oof. What a pain. And tacky.

Still, I can't endorse de facto tattling. I promise, you will feel silly and childish.

So, um, why can't you call his parents and ask them about ... his number? If you want to be slightly tricky, you could even let him know that if he doesn't pony up this time, he will have left you no choice but to address the matter to his creditors. Then see if the check hits the mail.

You could do that. But failing/bagging that idea, you may have to suck it up. I know, I know, you "shouldn't have to." And yes, I'm sure you do need the money. But at least it's not like he used your card to call his "vacation girlfriend;" at least the snowglobes and "Phantom: On Ice" and the Corn Palace were stuff you enjoyed together. Yes, I'm sure you do need the money, Brok/en Up. And you, unlike certain people better than whom you wish to be, are not an "ambitionless bum," am I right? So make sure you're working hard enough and getting paid enough at your job(s). One of which may be to let go.

Love,
Breakup Girl

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