My in-laws invited twelve relatives to a fancy restaurant to celebrate my son’s graduation. I asked my parents to come too since it was their grandson’s celebration. When the bill came, my father-in-law paid the $1,700 but asked me to cover the 18% tip because, as he said, “I brought guests.” I refused and left. My wife stayed quiet.
Later that night, I received a horrifying text from her. She wrote, “Forget about me for some time. You ruined our only son’s celebration and embarrassed me in front of my entire family for a few hundred dollars.” When I got home, I froze—our room was almost empty. My wife had moved out and taken nearly all of her belongings.
It’s been three days, and she still won’t answer her phone. I know she’s angry, but I expected her to stand by me instead of blaming me. After all, it was her father who insulted my parents by treating them as unwanted guests.
Do you think my reaction was wrong?
—Mark
