John Kidde Writes

“In an attempt to beautify her neighborhood, a popular blogger asked her followers for money to repaint a community fence.

Anyone who donated $400 would be entitled to an hour’s “face time” with the blogger on Skype.

Being lonely and in need of someone to talk to, I took her up on the offer. I made the donation, and we set a day and time for our chat, but she stood me up and subsequently ignored me.

After several weeks, I sent her several strongly worded (yet civil) emails in which I expressed my mounting displeasure. Apparently unhappy with being taken to task, she announced that she had no intention of Skyping with me.

She never expressed any remorse or responsibility, never asked if there was anything she could do to make up for it — and never offered to refund the money.

My question is, would it be wrong to ask for my $400 back? It was a straight-up quid pro quo agreement. I upheld my end but she failed to uphold hers.

I want to do the right thing but I don’t like getting shafted either. I’d really appreciate your input. — Mr. Conflicted”

Dear Conflicted:

This is a classic ladyboy switcheroo. Where you went to pay for a “fun time” with a woman only to find that it’s actually a ladyboy. You know, man parts below, lady parts on top…In any case, you went in expecting one thing and in turn got something you didn’t want.

For $400 you could’ve, LITERALLY, paid an actual escort to spend time with you (and not have anything sexual happen). Instead, you’re $400 in the hole and the person you gave it to screwed you over and won’t make amends. Which totally sucks. She needs to give you your money back!

You said you’re so lonely so why don’t you do something about it and get out there and make some friends? Maybe that’s why this person didn’t want to Skype with you in the first place. Loners aren’t exactly the people other people want to be around. Work on your people skills. Meetup.com is a great place to start and meet people with similar interests.