No one can take advantage of you in this way without your permission. I try not to be too thin-skinned or take things too personally.

By my well-known habit of throwing nickels around like manhole covers -- I prefer to think of it as practicing the virtue of thrift -- anyone upon who I wouldn't bestow such largess knows better than to ask, and the objects of my affection are too well-mannered to do so. (They appreciate spontaneous gifts.)

Face it, prncess674, you're just too nice, too much a southern belle, and apparently are considered a "soft touch" by those who think they know you. Definitely, don't disclose specific account balances to known moochers, any more than you would disclose your bank balance to a money-grubber or "friend" seeking a loan. Perhaps a vague answer like, "I'm not sure of my balance; I'm saving the miles up for my parents," or, "Too bad I don't have time; that's why I give miles to my Dad and Mom," will suffice.

If they persist, "just say ‘no.'" If it seems they are asking without real understanding (they're "free" tickets, right?), and they're very close friends, you might give them an explanation about how miles are worth two cents each, so an upgrade is worth $500, and how that's only a small compensation for the rigors of life on the road -- which they may similarly not understand. That's why I referred to only close friends.

Don't be overly concerned about what other people think! Just do what you know is right. My own explanations are curt and to-the-point. If you have time for more genteel deflections, good for you. I'll be interested to see others' brush-off techniques.