DEAR ABBY: I have saved for two years to take my children – ages 7, 11 and 13 – on a dream vacation. My kids have never been on a plane, and they are very excited about the prospect.

The problem is my fiance, “Drew.” He wants to come with us. However, he has just admitted to me that he is deathly afraid of flying. He wants us to change our plans and drive instead. It would require an 18-hour drive each way.

The kids will be very disappointed if they have to give up their first flight, and we’d all be miserable spending that much time confined in a car. We’d be tired before we arrived, and worst of all, four days of our one- week vacation would be spent in transit.

I have offered to pay for Drew’s gas or train ticket so he can meet us there. I even found the name of a psychologist who specializes in phobias, but Drew won’t fly, take a train or see a “shrink.”

Drew claims if I “really loved him,” I would accept him, fears and all, and return the plane tickets. He also says if we go without him, the engagement is over.

I understand that Drew’s fears are very real, and I am sympathetic to his problem. However, I feel it is unreasonable for him to expect us to make such a drastic change of plans to accommodate him – especially since we are leaving in less than a month.

Am I unsympathetic? – TRYING TO BE REASONABLE IN RALEIGH

DEAR TRYING: I don’t think so. You made an important promise to your children, and it should be kept. A mature individual would understand that and not twist your arm with an ultimatum.

If I were you, I’d take the children on that trip and let the chips fall where they may. Your fiance appears to be controlling and self-centered. He does not have your children’s best interests at heart, and his attempts to control you and them show what kind of stepfather he will be. Please think twice about tying the knot with Drew.

DEAR ABBY: One of my co-workers, “Roger,” conducts business for his second job – real estate – every day on company time. Everyone in the office can hear him “selling” on the phone.

My office mates and I find Roger’s real estate paperwork scattered all over the place – left in the copier or fax machine, even in the lunchroom. He is constantly surfing the Internet looking at houses.

Roger is a nice person with a sweet wife and three little kids. However, my office mates and I see the side of him that is without morals.

I, for one, don’t know how to treat him. All employees sign a “code of conduct” each year in order to continue working for our company. The document clearly states that employees are to report anyone conducting outside or personal business on company time.

I am torn about what to do. I don’t want to ruin this man’s career, but I feel I have broken a pledge by not reporting him. What’s the answer, Abby? – WORKING WITH A CHEAT IN MICHIGAN

DEAR WORKING: The person in the office who is closest to Roger should have a heart-to-heart with him, conveying the sentiments of the rest of the employees. If that doesn’t do the trick, then all of Roger’s co-workers – including you – should sign a letter to the bosses informing them about the breach in company policy. The names should be listed in alphabetical order.

Rogers’ behavior is not only dishonest, but it also undermines office morale. A warning from his supervisor may teach him a lesson and get him to shape up. If he’s lucky, he won’t be dismissed.

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.

For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send a business-size, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $5 (U.S. funds only) to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

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