I assumed seeing my fiancé’s parents would be just another step toward our future, but one catastrophic evening revealed the reality about Richard’s life. By the end of the night, I had no choice but to cancel the wedding.
I never thought I’d be the kind to cancel a wedding. But life has a way of surprising us, doesn’t it?
I’m one of those people who prefers to make significant decisions after consulting with my friends and family. But this time, I knew I needed to do it.
I knew I needed to cancel the wedding since what happened at the restaurant that day was unexpected.
Before we talk about that day, let me tell you a little bit about my fiancé, Richard. I met him at work, when he started as a junior executive in accounting. I’m not sure what it was, but something about him appealed to me. Something made me notice him immediately away.
Richard met the definition of a gorgeous man. Tall, trendy hair, a pleasant grin, and an excellent sense of humor. He quickly became an office favorite, and we began speaking during coffee breaks.
We began dating around seven weeks after he joined, and I discovered he was everything I wanted in a companion. Confident, kind, responsible, and solution-focused. Just the man a clumsy woman like me needed.
Our romance moved quickly. Now that I think about it, that was way too fast. Richard proposed barely six months after we began dating, and I was so engrossed in our whirlwind affair that I said yes without hesitation.
Everything about him appeared great, except for one thing: I had yet to meet his parents. They resided in another state, and Richard always made excuses for why we couldn’t visit. However, once they learned of our engagement, they insisted on meeting me.
“They’re going to love you,” Richard assured me, squeezing my hand. “I’ve booked us a table at that fancy new place downtown for Friday night.”
I spent the following few days panicking. What should I wear? What if they don’t like me? What happens if they tell Richard to leave me?
I swear I attempted almost a dozen outfits before deciding on a simple black dress. I wanted to appear smart but not overdressed.
On Friday, I returned home early from work and prepared. No makeup, lovely black heels, a small bag, and a natural haircut. I wanted to keep it basic and appropriate for the occasion. Richard picked me up shortly after.
“You look gorgeous, babe!” he said, flashing the smile I adored. “Ready?”
I nodded, trying to calm my nerves. “I really hope they like me.”
“They will, babe,” he held my hand. “After all, you’ve got everything that a parent would want to see in their child’s partner. You’re amazing inside out.”
I was relieved at that point, but I was still unprepared for the drama that was about to unfold.
We entered the restaurant a few minutes later, and I thought it was really lovely. Crystal chandeliers dangled from the ceiling, and soothing piano music filled the space. It was the type of restaurant where even the water glasses appeared costly.
We saw Richard’s parents at a table near the window. His mother, Isabella, a small woman with nicely coiffed hair, rose as we approached. Meanwhile, his father, Daniel, who appeared severe, stayed seated.
“Oh, Richard!” his mother cooed as we neared, disregarding me. She hugged Richard strongly and held him at arm’s length. “You look so weak. Have you lost weight? Are you eating enough?”
I stood awkward till Richard remembered me.
“Mom, Dad, this is Clara, my fiancée.”
His mother looked over me from head to toe.
“Oh yes, hello dear,” she replied with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
His father simply grunted.
As we sat down, I attempted to initiate a discussion.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you both. Richard has told me so much about you.”
Before either of them could respond, a waiter approached with menus. I observed Richard’s mother leaning toward him as we looked them over.
“Oh, sweetie,” she said in a loud whisper, “do you want Mommy to order for you? I know how you get overwhelmed with too many choices.”
What the… I thought.
Richard was thirty years old, yet Isabella treated him as if he were eight. But to my amazement, he simply nodded. I assumed he would urge her to quit treating him like a baby, but I was mistaken.
“Thanks, Mom,” he said. “You know what I like.”
I tried to capture Richard’s attention, but he was looking at his mother. She went on to order the most expensive stuff on the menu for both of them. Lobster, prime rib, and a bottle of $200 wine.
When it was my turn, I requested a basic pasta meal. I couldn’t eat much since I was so surprised.
As we waited for our meal, Daniel addressed me directly.
“So, Clara,” he said, his voice gruff. “What are your intentions with our son?”
I nearly choked on my water. “I’m sorry?”
“Well, you’re planning to marry him, aren’t you? How do you plan to take care of him? You know he needs his clothes ironed just so, and he can’t sleep without his special pillow.”
I looked at Richard, expecting him to jump in and warn his father that this was inappropriate. But he simply sat there, wordless.
“I… uhh…” I stammered. “We haven’t really discussed those details yet.”
“Oh, you’ll need to learn quickly dear,” Isabella intervened. “Our Richie is very particular. He needs dinner by exactly 6 p.m. every day, and don’t even think about serving him vegetables. He won’t touch them.”
Okay, I didn’t sign up for this, I thought. What was happening? Why didn’t Richard say anything to his parents? Why did he allow them to treat him like a baby?
At this point, the waiter arrived with the dinner, saving me from having to react. As we ate, Richard’s parents continued to care over him.
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw Isabella cutting the meat for him as Daniel reminded him to use his napkin. I was stunned.
As expected, my appetite disappeared, so I simply sat there, picking at my pasta. I kept wondering why I hadn’t seen this coming. Why had Richard been so hesitant to go to his parents’ house with me when we were dating?
All of his reasons made sense to me now.
As the meal came to an end, I breathed a sigh of relief, believing that the worst was behind us. Not yet. The horrific supper had just reached its peak.
When the server brought the bill, Isabella grabbed it before anybody else could see it. To be honest, I assumed she did this because she didn’t want me to pay out of courtesy, but what she said next had me staring at her with wide eyes.
“Well, dear, I think it’s only fair we split this 50/50, don’t you?” she smiled at me. “After all, we’re family now.”
They had ordered hundreds of dollars’ worth of food and drink, whilst I had a $20 pasta dish. And now they expect me to pay half? No way!
I glanced at Richard, stunned, and silently pleaded with him to say anything. I expected him to defend me and tell his mother how silly she sounded. But that man simply sat there, avoiding my look.
At that point, everything became crystal clear. This was more than just an expensive dinner. This was my future if I married Richard. I’d be marrying his parents, too.
So I took a deep breath and got up.
“Actually,” I began in a steady voice, “I think I’ll just pay for my own meal.”
As Richard and his parents glanced at me, I took out my wallet and left enough money on the table to cover my spaghetti and a generous tip.
“But…” Isabella protested. “We’re family!”
“No, we’re not,” I said, looking straight into her eyes. “And we’re not going to be.”
Then I glanced to Richard, who finally returned my stare. He appeared perplexed, as if he didn’t understand what was going on.
“Richard,” I said softly, “I care about you. But this… this isn’t the future I want. I’m not looking for a child to take care of. I want a partner. And I don’t think you’re ready to be that.”
I removed my engagement ring and placed it on the table.
“I’m sorry, but the wedding is off.”
With that, I turned and exited the restaurant, leaving three astonished faces behind me.
As I stepped into the cool night air, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. Yes, it stung. Yes, things were going to be awkward at work. But I knew I had made the correct decision.
The following morning, I returned my wedding gown.
As the store clerk processed my refund, she questioned whether everything was all right.
I smiled and felt lighter than I had in months. “You know what? It will be.”
As I was saying this, I understood that walking away from something that isn’t appropriate for you is the most courageous thing you can do. It may hurt in the moment, but in the long run, it is the most compassionate thing you can do for yourself.
Do you agree?
