he flipped. “You can’t move someone in without asking!” “Why not?” I said sweetly. “I’m paying rent now — tenants can have roommates, right?” He tried to argue. I quietly packed my things, left $675 on the table (half the “rent”), and walked out with Jordan. We found a new place as roommates. Tyler?

He became a punchline among our mutual friends — the guy who tried to charge his girlfriend rent and ended up with a roommate instead. He texted later with apologies and “financial philosophies.” I never responded. Love isn’t a lease agreement — and if someone tries to charge you rent for being part of their life? Don’t argue. Just sublet and leave.