Woman Treating Partner’s Family to Dinner Stunned by SIL and Boyfriend’s Costly Choices

A woman who treated her partner’s family to dinner was left shocked by her sister-in-law and her boyfriend’s food choices.

The 26-year-old woman and original poster (OP), Reddit user Spiritual-Witness-86, recounted the incident on r/AmItheA******, explaining that she had recently received a $200 gift card as a thank-you from a contractor.

“During Christmas, I opened the gift (with the gift card) and my SIL (31F) was there to see me holding up the gift card,” the OP recalled.

“She immediately suggested we use it for FIL’s birthday. I agreed, but I didn’t realize she’d interpret “we” to mean she could invite her BF (recently reconciled after a year-long breakup) and go all-out with their orders.”

During the meal, the OP’s SIL and her boyfriend ordered the most expensive items on the menu—surf and turf with extra lobster tail—totaling $150 of the $300 bill.

The OP explained, “I used the gift card but still had to pay $100 with my credit card. I asked SIL to cover her and her BF’s share and split the cost of FIL’s meal with me, explaining that the gift card wasn’t “free money” for her and her BF to splurge.

“She got upset, said the gift card should cover everything, and stormed out with her BF.

“Later, my partner and I drove my in-laws home and dropped them off in awkward silence. On the way back, my partner told me I was out of line, but I feel justified since SIL’s actions caused the bill to exceed the gift card’s value.”

Many Reddit users voiced strong support for the OP, highlighting her SIL and her boyfriend’s entitlement.

“They totally took advantage of the situation,” one noted, while another pointed out, “They spent 75% of someone else’s Christmas gift on themselves.”

Some Redditors, however, criticized the timing of the discussion about splitting costs, with one advising, “Your mistake was in not telling everyone upfront that you were only paying for yourself, your partner, and FIL.”

Lessons in Managing Family Expectations

When it comes to these kinds of situations, experts at Taylor Counseling Group advise clear communication around financial expectations to avoid similar misunderstandings.

Additionally, Calm’s blog on family boundaries points out how important it is to talk about any unfairness you feel without guilt or resentment. Doing so can help create healthier relationships.

Newsweek has contacted Spiritual-Witness-86 comment via Reddit.

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