Is raffle prize rightly hers?

DEAR AMY: A dear friend got tickets to a major event. Her husband declined to attend so she asked me to go in his place. At the event, we won a dream trip to a foreign country in a raffle. I know she'd prefer to go on the trip with her husband. I am truly conflicted. There is no option to buy tickets for our husbands and only "the guest" (me), and not the primary ticketholder can transfer the spot on the trip. Should I give my spot to her husband or go on the trip myself? I feel that if I go, she will resent me. I also feel that if I give up this chance of a lifetime I will forever kick myself. Can you guide me?

--Betwixt and Between

DEAR BETWIXT: You have already benefited from these tickets by attending this "major event" as "the guest" (your words) of the ticketholder. The person who purchased the tickets and invited you as a guest has the right to the prize.

You would have had more standing to claim half of the winnings if you had purchased your ticket from your friend. The tickets she purchased won the prize, and so you should let her invite whomever she chooses to go on this dream trip.

If you offer to give up the spot she may insist that you come with her, but it's hard to imagine you would enjoy this trip when you know the price you pay may be your friendship.

DEAR AMY: Years ago, my boss and I were having lunch. Our business-related conversation was being interrupted by his brand-new status symbol - a cell phone. One table away, a woman and her boyfriend were trying to make plans for their wedding, but he repeatedly answered his cell phone. After the fifth call she, in a dignified manner, dumped her full water glass into his lap, got up and left. My boss quietly moved my water glass to his side of the table and took no more calls.

--Cell Fatigued

DEAR CELL: Gives new meaning to, "The drink's on me."