Meeting Disaster: How My Fiancé’s Parents’ Actions at Dinner Made Me Call Off the Wedding

I Went to a Restaurant to Meet My Fiancé’s Parents for the First Time, but What They Did Made Me Cancel the Wedding

Meeting my fiancé’s parents seemed like just one more step toward our future together, but after a horrible meal, I realized how real Richard’s world really was. I had no choice but to call off the wedding at the end of that evening.

I never imagined that I would be the person to postpone a wedding. However, life often takes you by surprise, doesn’t it?

I’m one of those persons who would rather make important decisions after consulting with friends and relatives. However, this time, I felt compelled to take action.

I knew that day at the restaurant would not be happening again, so I had to call off the wedding.

Let me tell you a little bit about my fiancé, Richard, before we talk about that day. He started as a junior executive in accounting, which is how I got to know him. I’m not sure what it was about him that drew me in. Something that immediately caused me to notice him.

Richard was every inch the dapper man. A fantastic sense of humor, a pleasant grin, and tall, trendy hair. He was immediately the workplace darling, and we were having coffee break conversations.

About seven weeks after he joined, we began dating, and I quickly realized he was everything I had been looking for in a companion. self-assured, compassionate, accountable, and goal-oriented. Perfect chap for a clumsy woman such as myself.

Our romance progressed quickly. Thinking about it, that was way too quick. Six months after we first started dating, Richard proposed, and I accepted without hesitation since I was engrossed in the fast-paced affair.

I hadn’t met his parents yet, so it was one thing that made him look ideal in every way. Richard would constantly make up an excuse not to let us see them because they lived in a different state. However, they demanded to meet me as soon as they found out we were engaged.

Richard held my hand and reassured me, “They’re going to love you.” “I’ve booked us a table at that fancy new place downtown for Friday night.”

I was terrified for the following few days. What am I supposed to wear? What if I wasn’t liked by them? How will I react if they tell Richard to go?

I promise I tried on a good twelve different clothes before deciding on a traditional black dress. I wanted to appear chic without going overboard with my outfit.

I got ready on Friday after leaving work early. a natural hairdo, gorgeous black heels, a small purse, and no makeup. I wanted it to be understated yet appropriate for the situation. Not long later, Richard came to get me.

“You look gorgeous, babe!” he exclaimed, giving me that adorable smile. “Ready?”

In an attempt to relax, I nodded. “I really hope they like me.”

He took my hand and said, “They will, babe.” “After all, you seem to have every quality a parent could ask for in a companion for their child. I adore you from the inside out.”

Even though I was a little relieved at that moment, the drama that was going to happen still didn’t prepare me.

When we finally arrived to the restaurant a few minutes later, I was in awe of it. The room had crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and a lulling piano tune playing. Even the water cups in the establishment seemed pricey.

Richard’s parents were seated at a table close to the window. As we got closer, his mother, Isabella, a small woman with neatly styled hair, got up. Daniel, his father, who gave off the impression of being quite strict, continued to sit.

His mother obligingly ignored me as we walked up to her, crowing, “Oh, Richard!” She put her arms around Richard and hugged him tightly. “You appear very frail. Have you dropped a few pounds? Do you eat enough food?

I nervously stood there till Richard came to remember me.

“Mom, Dad, this is Clara, my fiancée.”

His mother gave me a full body examination.

She smiled, but it was barely visible through her tears. “Oh yes, hello dear,” she said.

His dad merely gave a groan.

I attempted striking up a conversation as soon as we sat down.

“I’m very happy to have met you two at last. I’ve learned so much about you from Richard.”

A waiter arrived with menus before either of them could reply. Richard’s mother was leaning towards him as we examined them.

She spoke loudly, “Oh, baby, do you want Mommy to order for you? I am aware of the feeling of being overtaken by options.”

Oh my god, I thought.

Isabella was treating thirty-year-old Richard like he was eight years old. To my amazement, though, he simply nodded. I was mistaken to think he would urge her to quit acting like a baby.

He said, “Thanks, Mom.” “You know what I like.”

Richard was staring at his mother, so I tried to get his attention. She then went ahead and ordered the priciest things on the menu for the two of them. Prime steak, lobster, and a $200 wine bottle.

When it was my turn, I went with a straightforward spaghetti meal. I didn’t feel like eating because I was so stunned.

It was during our wait for meals that Daniel spoke to me face-to-face.

“So, Clara,” he uttered in a rough voice. “What are your intentions with our son?”

I nearly asphyxiated on my water. “I’m sorry?”

“So, you intend to wed him, do you not? What kind of care are you going to give him? You are aware that he can’t sleep without his unique pillow and that his clothes must be pressed precisely.”

I glanced to Richard, anticipating that he would intervene and inform his father that this was not suitable. But he did nothing but sit there.

“I… uhh…” I stumbled over my words. “We haven’t really discussed those details yet.”

Isabella stepped in and said, “Oh, you’ll need to learn quickly, darling.” “Our Richie has very specific tastes. Every day at precisely six o’clock in the evening, he requires food, and don’t even consider giving him veggies. He refuses to touch them.

Alright, I thought, I didn’t sign up for this. What was happening? What kept Richard from talking to his parents? Why did he allow them to handle him like a child?

That’s when the waiter showed in with the food, sparing me from having to answer for the moment. Richard’s parents continued to worry over him while we were eating.

As Daniel was asking him to use his napkin, Isabella was cutting the steak for him, and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I was taken aback.

My hunger had disappeared as anticipated, so I just sat there and picked at my pasta. I kept asking myself why I hadn’t anticipated this. When we were dating, why had Richard been so hesitant to take me to his parents’ house?

I was starting to understand all of his justifications now.

I let out a sigh of relief as the lunch came to an end, believing that the worst was over. Not quite yet. The nightmarish supper was about to get really real.

Isabella grabbed the bill as soon as the server brought it to her attention. Frankly, I assumed she had done that as a kindness to avoid having me pay, but her next statement caused me to widen my eyes.

“Well, dear, I think it’s only fair we split this 50/50, don’t you?” She gave me a smile. “After all, we’re family now.”

I had ordered a $20 pasta dish, but they had bought hundreds of dollars’ worth of food and drink. And they wanted me to pay for half of it now? Not at all!

Startled, I turned to face Richard and begged him in silence to say something. I thought he would defend me, tell his mom how dumbfound she sounded. But instead of looking at me, the man just sat there.

Everything became quite evident at that time. It was more than simply a fancy supper at stake. This is what I would become if I wed Richard. I would also marry his parents.

I then inhaled deeply and got to my feet.

With a firm voice, I said, “Actually, I think I’ll just pay for my own meal.”

I took out my wallet and left enough cash on the table to pay for my spaghetti plus a fat tip while Richard and his parents stared at me.

“But…” Isabella objected. “We’re family!”

“No, we’re not,” I replied, meeting her gaze directly. “And we’re not going to be.”

I turned to face Richard then, and at last his eyes met mine. He appeared perplexed, as though he was unable to comprehend what was going on.

I whispered, “Richard, I’m concerned about you. However, this isn’t the future I wish for. I’m not trying to find someone to look after a kid. I’m looking for a companion. And you’re not ready to be that, in my opinion.”

I took off my engagement ring and set it down on the surface.

“I’m sorry, but the wedding is off.”

I turned and left the restaurant after that, leaving three people in disbelief in my wake.

My shoulders felt like they were lightened when I went outside into the crisp night air. It did hurt, yes. Yes, there would be embarrassing moments at work. Yet I knew that I had made the proper choice.

I returned my wedding garment the following morning.

The store clerk asked me if everything was alright while she processed my return.

Feeling lighter than I have in months, I grinned. “What do you know? It is going to be.”

As I was saying that, it occurred to me that leaving something that isn’t right for you is the boldest thing you can do. In the long term, it’s the most self-loving thing you can do for yourself, even though it might hurt now.

Do you concur?