I had assumed that we would be celebrating my promotion, but Troy, my boyfriend, had other ideas. He made a scene and embarrassed me in front of the waitress when he asked that I give him my card so we could pay for dinner.
The worst part, though, wasn’t over yet—he also made a pass at her and provided his phone number! I had finished.
There was something strange about the upscale restaurant where we were sitting. Troy appeared aloof, and his customary charm had given way to a sour disposition.
When he did congratulate me on my promotion, it was hardly real. I dismissed it, figuring he might be having a rough day.
However, he insisted that I use my card to make the payment when the check arrived, saying he was short on cash. Even though I was surprised, I attempted to ignore it. It was beginning to feel like a slap in the face, but I thought maybe he was just trying to be manly.
In an attempt to diffuse the situation, I said, “I’ll just pay with my card.”
Troy
Then again, he went too far with it. He made me feel embarrassed by writing his number on a napkin and flirting with the waitress.
I realized then that I had to make a stand. I said I was sorry, turned off my card, and observed Troy straining to make ends meet.
After the waitress finally threw away the napkin bearing his number, I decided I deserved better and left the restaurant. You shouldn’t ever feel inadequate or guilty of your achievements in a relationship. I’m not going back now that I’m over him.
It’s funny how someone you thought you knew may change completely in the course of one night. Even though it was a humiliating night, I am thankful for it. It made me realize that I’m deserving of better and that I won’t accept anything less.