Dear Miss Emily:

Okay, so I bought an i-phone 4s for my boyfriend. It's a present for our 2nd anniversary. The problem is that my parents don't know about this (I bought it with MY money). I know that if I tell them, they would kill me. But my bf really doesn't have any money, and I just want him to be happy. The problem is that i feel really bad because my parents have always trusted in me, and I tell them everything  -- so I do not know what to do.  I either give my bf the present, and not tell my parents, or sell the i phone to a friend and get back the money. Please help me!

----------------------------------Miss Emily's advice----------------------------

If you give it to him, I have two concerns: You're going to have to make sure he keeps his mouth shut about the gift, doesn't slip up, and neither will anyone else! That's going to hang over your head, and it takes the joy out of the gift. Personally, I see no reason why you can't give him the gift you want with your money, but your parents have their reason to object. Concern 2: The phone is one thing, but you can't put it under your name, and possibly be stuck with the bills. He is the one who would have to connect it, pay the upfront fees, and have it in his name only (if he doesn't already have an account with the company associated with the phone). If not, were something to happen to the relationship, and even if he's broke (like you say he is), you'll be obligated to pay the bill were the account in your name, or pay a huge amount to buy yourself out of the contract. If all this seems too much for you, I'd sell the phone, or return it, and get him something that's not fraught with this much anxiety.