Meeting Disaster: Why I Had to Call Off the Wedding Due to My Fiancé’s Parents’ Behavior at Dinner
I met my fiancé’s parents at a restaurant, but what they did caused me to call off the wedding.
Meeting my fiancé’s parents appeared to be just another step toward our future together, but after a terrible dinner, I came to understand the reality of Richard’s world. By the end of that evening, I was forced to announce the cancellation of the wedding.
It never occurred to me that I would be the one to call off a wedding. But life often catches you off guard, doesn’t it?
I’m the type of person that like to confer with friends and family before making significant decisions. But this time, I felt like I had to do something.
That day at the restaurant was something I knew would never happen again, therefore I had to cancel the wedding.
Before we discuss about that day, let me tell you a little bit about my fiancé, Richard. I first met him while he worked as a junior executive in accounting. I have no idea what it was about him that captured my interest. Something that made me notice him right away..
Richard exuded style in every way. a great sense of humor, a smile that makes you happy, and long, stylish hair. He became the office favorite right away, and we started talking over coffee breaks.
We started dating around seven weeks after he joined, and I soon realized he was everything I had been hoping for in a partner. confident, caring, responsible, and goal-oriented. Ideal partner for an awkward woman like me.
Our relationship developed swiftly. Now that I think about it, that was far too fast. Richard proposed to me six months after we initially started dating, and since I was absorbed in the fast-paced relationship, I accepted without thinking twice.
One thing that made him appear perfect in every aspect was that I hadn’t met his parents yet. Richard would always come up with an excuse—that they resided in a faraway state—not to let us see them. But as soon as they learned we were engaged, they insisted on meeting me.
“They’re going to love you,” Richard informed me while holding my hand. “I’ve reserved a table for Friday night at that chic new restaurant downtown.”
For the next few days, I lived in fear. What should I dress like? What if they didn’t think well of me? If they tell Richard to leave, how will I respond?
I swear, I put on almost a dozen different outfits before settling on a classic black dress. My goal was to look stylish without going overboard with my attire.
On Friday, I left work early and got ready. a tiny purse, stunning black heels, natural hairstyle, and no makeup. It has to be subtle but suitable at the same time. Richard arrived shortly after to pick me up.
“You look amazing, sweetie!” He smiled his cute little smile and shouted. “Are you ready?”
I nodded, trying to unwind. “Oh, please, I hope they like me.”
“They will, babe,” he murmured, taking hold of my hand. “After all, you seem to possess every attribute a parent could desire in a child’s friend. I love you from the bottom of my heart.
I was a little relieved at the time, but I wasn’t ready for the drama that was about to unfold.
I was amazed when we eventually made it to the restaurant, which was only a few minutes away. There were lulling piano tunes playing and crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling in the room. The establishment’s water cups appeared to be quite expensive.
Richard’s parents were seated by the window at a table. His mother, Isabella, a petite woman with well-groomed hair, stood up as we approached. Daniel, his father, who came across as very strict, stayed in his seat.
As we approached his mother, she obligingly ignored me and croaked, “Oh, Richard!” She wrapped Richard in her arms and gave him a firm hug. “You seem quite weak. Have you lost a couple of pounds? Eat enough food, do you?
I stood there anxiously until Richard started to recognize me.
“This is Clara, my fiancée, Mom and Dad.”
His mother examined me from head to toe.
She tried to grin, but her tears made it difficult to see. “Oh yes, hi sweetie,” she uttered.
His father just groaned.
As soon as we sat down, I tried to start a discussion.
“I’m glad to have finally met both of you. Richard has taught me so much about you.
Before one of them could respond, a waiter showed there carrying menus. As we looked at them, Richard’s mother was bending toward him.
“Oh, baby, do you want Mommy to order for you?” she exclaimed. I understand how it feels to have too many options.
God, I thought to myself.
Richard, thirty, was being treated like he was eight years old by Isabella. To my surprise, though, he only nodded. I had assumed that he would tell her to stop being such a baby.
He said, “Mom, thanks.” “It’s obvious what I like.”
I tried to attract Richard’s attention because he was staring at his mother. She then proceeded to order the most expensive items for the two of them from the menu. A $200 wine bottle, lobster, and prime steak.
When it was my turn, I decided to have a simple spaghetti dinner. I was so shocked that I had no desire to eat.
Daniel and I had our face-to-face conversation while we were waiting for our meals.
“So, Clara,” he said in a harsh tone. “What plans do you have for our son?”
I almost choked on my water. “Pardon me?”
“So, you plan to marry him, right? How are you going to take care of him? You know that his clothing have to be ironed to an exact fit and that he cannot sleep without his special pillow.
I looked at Richard, expecting him to step in and tell his father that this was inappropriate. However, all he did was sit there.
“I—uhh—” I stammered as I spoke. “Those specifics haven’t really been discussed yet.”
“Oh, you’ll need to learn quickly, darling,” intervened Isabella. “Our Richie has highly particular preferences. He needs food every day at precisely six o’clock in the evening, and don’t even think of feeding him vegetables. He won’t even come near them.
Okay, I thought, this isn’t what I signed up for. What was taking place? Why did Richard not speak with his parents? What made him let them treat him like a kid?
At that point, the server arrived with the food, saving me the inconvenience of having to respond for the time being. While we were dining, Richard’s parents kept checking on him.
Isabella was chopping the steak for Daniel, and I couldn’t believe what I was watching when Daniel asked him to use his napkin. It surprised me.
As expected, my appetite had vanished, so I sat there and picked at my pasta. I kept asking myself why this wasn’t anything I had expected. Why had Richard been so reluctant to accompany me to his parents’ place when we were dating?
Now, I was beginning to see through all of his excuses.
When lunch finally ended, I exhaled with relief, thinking that the worst was behind us. Not quite yet. This was going to be a true nightmare dinner.
As soon as the server pointed out the bill to Isabella, she grabbed it. To be honest, I thought she had done it out of goodwill so I wouldn’t have to pay, but what she said next made me open my eyes.
“Well, sweetheart, don’t you think it’s only fair we split this 50/50?” She smiled at me. “After all, we’ve become family.”
They had purchased hundreds of dollars’ worth of food and beverages, whereas I had only ordered a $20 pasta dish. And now they asked me to foot the bill for half of it? Not at all!
Startled, I turned to face Richard and silently pleaded with him to speak up. I assumed he would stand up for me and tell his mother how surprised she sounded. But the man just sat there, not even looking at me.
At that point, everything became quite clear. There was more at stake than just a beautiful supper. If I were to marry Richard, this is who I would become. And I would wed his parents.
After taking a deep breath, I stood up.
“Actually, I think I’ll just pay for my own meal,” I stated firmly.
Richard and his parents gazed at me as I pulled out my wallet and put enough cash on the table to cover my spaghetti plus a hefty tip.
“However…” Isabella balked. “We are kin!”
“No, we’re not,” I answered, looking her in the eye. “And we won’t be either.”
At last, Richard’s eyes met mine as I turned to face him. He looked confused, as if he didn’t understand what was happening.
“Richard, I’m worried about you,” I muttered. That being said, this is not the future I want for. I am not looking for someone to take care of a child. I’m trying to find a friend. And I think you’re not ready to be that.
I removed and placed my engagement ring on a flat surface.
“I apologize, but there will be no wedding.”
That left three individuals in shock as I turned and walked out of the restaurant.
I stepped outside into the cool night air, and my shoulders felt lighter. Yes, it stung. Indeed, there would be awkward situations at work. Still, I knew I had made the right decision.
The next morning, I gave back my bridal dress.
As she processed my return, the store clerk inquired about my well-being.
I smiled, feeling lighter than I have in months. How much do you know? It will occur.
While I was saying that, it came to me that the bravest thing you could do would be to give up on something that wasn’t good for you. Even while it might hurt right now, in the long run, it’s the most self-loving thing you can do for yourself.
