I was suddenly invited to go abroad alone with a papa (a male supporter) I’ve only met once. He made a very good impression when we met, so I said yes in the moment, but now that I’ve thought it over calmly, I’m starting to feel scared. I’m also worried about whether we’ll be able to communicate properly using a translation app. He’s already sent me the plane tickets, but if I decide to cancel, is there a good way to turn him down?

Maezawa from the Corporate Planning Office here as well. > “The airline tickets have already been sent to me.” It sounds like quite a few arrangements have already been made. Cancellations after tickets have been issued usually incur fees. If the seats are in economy, even a 100% cancellation fee might come to around ¥100,000. But if they’re business class, I imagine it could be over ¥500,000. (The amount varies greatly depending on the destination and airline.) I don’t think he’ll ask you to cover the cost. Still, considering that he’s paying and you were probably looking forward to traveling together, if you already said yes, then it’s a promise. Breaking that promise now doesn’t seem like the right thing to do. In the future, I think you should take time to consider things carefully before agreeing. But since you’ve already said yes this time, I think you should go on the trip. That said, you do need to be cautious in various ways. > “I’m also worried about whether we’ll be able to communicate properly with my papa using a translation app.” Apps are fine, but dedicated devices have their own advantages. You might want to buy—or ask him to buy before the trip—the “Pocketalk, the Dream AI Translator,” and bring it along to communicate during your travels. Also, if you have time before the overseas trip, I think it would be a good idea to go on a few more dates. If you become closer before the trip, you’ll probably feel less anxious. And if things don’t go well, he may pick up on that too, in which case you might reach a point where canceling the trip is unavoidable.

I’m Joe, a columnist. I basically agree with Seattle, but my view differs slightly in that I think you shouldn’t go. I suspect there’s simply too much you don’t know about the other person. Unfortunately, there’s no perfect way to turn them down. I think all you can do is sincerely explain your feelings—or rather, your concerns. In that case, it would be best for you to cover the cancellation fee. Either way, this will be an important test for you as you continue your activities. I hope you’ll find the courage to do what feels right! Now, I’m off to Charles de Gaulle Airport to pick up Nana, whom I’m meeting in Paris, where the strike is still ongoing.

I’m Saito, a columnist♪ This may be a Q&A site, but please do share how it goes! I hope you have a wonderful trip.

I’m a male member from Seattle. I don’t want to be disappointed while traveling, so I gradually make my trips longer, starting with short ones. If two consenting adults have agreed to something, then they should follow through. If you want to cancel and there’s a cancellation fee, you should cover it yourself. You need to take responsibility for your words and choices.