AITA For Saying "No" When She Expected Me To Pay For Her Entire Family? She Brought Six Family...

AITA For Saying "No" When She Expected Me To Pay For Her Entire Family? She Brought Six Family...
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AITA For Saying "No" When She Expected Me To Pay For Her Entire Family? She Brought Six Family Members To Our Dinner For Two And Gave Me A "Surprise"
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I (27M) dated a girl named Emily (25F) for about four months. Things were going well, and I planned a fancy dinner for just the two of us. When I showed up, Emily was already there—with her entire family. Seven people. She smiled and said it was a surprise and a chance for me to meet everyone. I stayed, uncomfortable, while they ordered the most expensive things on the menu. When the bill came, they slid it to me. Emily said, “Babe’s got it, right?” I paid only for myself and walked out.

She later texted that I embarrassed her family. We didn’t talk for a few days, but she reached out, saying she wanted to make things right. I gave her the benefit of the doubt. We planned another private dinner. She showed up with her family again. I turned around and left. She called me selfish and disrespectful.

Later, she told me I was being “tested.” Her family believed a man should show generosity to prove he can provide. It was supposedly a tradition. She invited me to one final dinner—at her house this time. The food was amazing. After dessert, her dad handed me a bill from a catering company: $684. He said, “This is your chance to show us who you really are.” I said they could take care of the check, and I left.

Days later, Emily’s cousin Jenna (22F) messaged me, saying not all of them agreed with that behavior. She told me the “test” wasn’t a tradition—it was something Emily’s mom made up after Emily’s rich ex broke up with her. Jenna said Emily was embarrassed the first time, but caved under pressure. Apparently, I was the third boyfriend they pulled this on. One paid. One walked. I said no—but stuck around. So they thought I could be “trained.”

About a week later, Emily reached out again. She apologized for real, said her mom manipulated her, and she was trying to set boundaries. She offered to pay me back for the first dinner. I told her to keep it. We’re on good terms now.

The twist? Jenna and I kept in touch. We talked, met for coffee, and eventually went out. She’s nothing like the rest of her family—grounded, funny, honest. No drama, no games, no surprise dinners. And honestly? It’s been really good.
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