@Rebecca181 I am sure you are just trying to help and I appreciate it I really do, but your response comes across as borderline didactic. It's pretty hard on my fragile male ego. Moving forward just assume I'm a super-genius. Ok, I feel better now.
I understand that I will be penalized for canceling that's the reason for this post. If I could just cancel her with no penalty I would've already done that and be happily re-booking the property.
My problem, thinking like a "professional host" here, is that I can't rebook the house unless she cancels and she has no incentive to cancel. Since I might be able to book it for more money it would be nice to have that option, that is the only reason I am trying to incentivize her to cancel, that and her poor broken heart of course. Also, I am only getting half of her reservation (per cancellation policy), so really taking a financial hit here.
Although I understand the hazards of making decisions based on fear, in this case fear of a bad review, my question is, is she really going to be able to write a review at all since she's never been here? I would think I could get ABB to pull that down in a heartbeat?
It sounds like I could call and try to get ABB to cancel it behind her back based on her "private" message to me about her boyfriend, but that feels icky. Honestly, I'd be surprised if they would even do that?
So there is no way to guarantee her a full refund IF I book except to promise it in the message thread. I guess she could check on the property for her dates and see if it's rented.
Thanks again all!