When a relationship has an expiration date

DEAR AMY: My boyfriend and I have been dating for six months. In a few weeks, I'll be leaving this area because of a career opportunity. Ever since we started dating, the boyfriend has known I'd be moving and that "we" would be ending. We've been experiencing little problems, but we haven't addressed them because we want to end things on good terms.

However, enough small things have bubbled up that now I find I resent him. (For example, he's never congratulated me on this amazing promotion!) I want to break things off now. Is this selfish?Resentful in the Midwest

DEAR RESENTFUL: You obviously assume that a final week with you is an awesome prospect, but your boyfriend might be marking time until he can pull the rip cord on this parachute and escape from the relationship, too.

I realize you two had a deal. When you made your deal, you neglected to take into account that planned obsolescence and relationships do not mix. Human nature has a way of getting in the way. Feelings get hurt. And when you ignore little problems, they have a way of multiplying. So you say, "Honey, there is no more 'we.' There is only 'me.' "

DEAR AMY: You've been running letters about what to do for those diagnosed with a terminal illness. When my wife was given less than two months to live, I was faced with the decision of how to handle those two months. I threw a major party for her to celebrate her life. More than 125 guests conveyed to her how she had affected their lives. After her funeral, everyone commented on what a wonderful gift they were given when they had the chance to help celebrate the life they had with her. I knew how it had comforted her during her remaining days. I can't take credit for the idea. I can take credit for celebrating her life (instead of mourning it) before she died. Thomas