Dear Abby: My friend bought my motorcycle and won’t pay me a penny for it.

Dear ABBY: I have been with my girlfriend, “Kim” for a year and a half. We are both in our 40s and very independent. Her mother struggles with our relationship because we are two women. She has told Kim that our relationship is an embarrassment to her. She didn’t know her daughter was a lesbian until we started dating. Kim’s mother has said that if I were a man, she would be thrilled. She knows I love her daughter and treat her well, but she can’t get over the fact that we are gay.

I am confused about what to do. Our relationship is stable and we are both happy, but this worries us both. I don’t want Kim to feel torn between me and her mother, especially since we’re discussing marriage. Is there anything I can do to ease the tension? – SEARCH FOR PEACE IN KENTUCKY

DEAR FROM: There is little or nothing you can (or should) do to ease Kim’s mother’s embarrassment. Parents have all kinds of dreams and ambitions for their children, but in the final analysis, grown children must live their lives as they see fit.

A long-trusted organization called PFLAG exists for the exact purpose of building bridges between LGBTQ individuals and their family members. You can find it at pflag.org. However, until Kim’s mother is willing to seek help adjusting to reality, there is nothing you or Kim can do except let your happy life together be an example.

Dear ABBY: Two and a half years ago, I bought a motorcycle and let someone I considered a good friend ride it around the block. She fell in love with him and expressed that she would like to have him. I made a deal with him that when I improved it, I would sell him that bike.

A year later, I was able to buy what I wanted. I found out what the trade-in value would be for my original bike and agreed to sell it to her at that price. Then I told him to pay me as he could and I signed over the title. I have not drawn up any bill of sale or contract. I now realize that this may have been naive on my part.

Shortly after taking ownership, she had an accident and finished the bike. Her insurance didn’t pay and she hired a lawyer saying it was someone else’s fault. During this time, she has not paid a single cent for the bike, not even admitting that she owes me anything for it.

I struggle with coping, so I haven’t said anything yet, but a year and a half later, I think it’s about time. I know there’s not much I can do legally, but I’d like to say something to her. How can I handle this without coming across as difficult? We’ve broken up, but we’re still friendly. – BIKER CHICK IN TEXAS

DEAR BIKER BIRD: Try this: “It’s been a year and a half since I sold you the bike. When do you plan to start paying me what we agreed upon?” It’s a legitimate question.

Dear Abby was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at http://www.DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.