I’m Ella, 29, and I genuinely need outside perspective because this still doesn’t feel real. I’ve been dating my boyfriend, Mike, for just over two years. Things felt stable—moving toward engagement-level serious.
So when he said I’d finally meet his parents, I was excited. Nervous, but excited.
We arrived at a nice restaurant. His parents were already seated. I barely finished saying “Nice to meet you” when Mike looked at me and said, completely straight-faced, “Hope you brought your wallet. We’re starving.”
I laughed, assuming it was a joke.
It wasn’t.
His dad stood up and announced, “If she’s struggling now, imagine the future.” His mom gave me a pitying look and said I deserved a partner who contributes.
Then Mike told me I’d need to pay for dinner.
“It’s a test,” he said. “I’ll explain later.”
Apparently, this is a family tradition—the girlfriend pays for everyone to prove she isn’t planning to “use” their son. They called it modern, independent, and fair, while Mike didn’t even pretend to reach for his wallet.
I didn’t argue. I didn’t cry. I paid for my meal only and left.
Now Mike says I’m dramatic and can’t handle his family’s expectations. His parents say I “failed the test.”
So here I am, wondering if I just witnessed a preview of my future—or dodged it.
Because right now, this feels less like a test…
…and more like a parade of red flags.
