I don't want your life

Dear Joe:

I'd love it if you started paying your bills, particularly the cash you owe to DirecTV, Bank of America, Cingular, and American Express. As of today, I'm going to be spending more time at home, and I really don't enjoy these daily calls from your creditors. To be fair, its not YOUR fault you don't have a readily available phone number and they're forced to use the phone book, calling the number listed next to J [Conveniently Also Our Last Name.] We can place the blame for that one squarely on the shoulders of the lovely women that demand to know where they can find you, even after I tell them I have no idea who you are. Even better is when they call me a liar and tell me they'll just keep calling until I give them what they want.

In the past two days, I've been accused of "hiding from us" and "ignoring your responsibilities." I've given up asking for a supervisor, because that's usually met with a laugh and refusal. Sometimes, if I'm lucky, they just hang up on me. I'd stop answering the phone but the messages they leave on the voicemail are of the "we break thumbs" variety.

On one hand, dear Joe, you've taught me a valuable lesson about staying on top of my financial responsibilities. Never ever do I want to find myself in your position. There are enough nasty people in my life as it is, I don't need yours too.

Owing money doesn't make you a bad person, but letting someone else get nailed for your problems does. My patience is wearing thin with this one.