We’ve all experienced that awkward moment at a restaurant: the bill arrives, and there’s a sort of hesitation in the air. Except for Valentina, 32, that hesitation had been a weekly occurrence for nine months. Her boyfriend, Renzo, 39, father of two adorable young children, had developed a habit that, over time, was becoming increasingly burdensome—on his budget, but especially on his mind. Until the evening she decided she’d had enough.
The famous “I forgot my wallet”
At first, Valentina found it touching to be included in family outings. Dinners at restaurants with Renzo and his children were nice and warm. Then the pattern began to emerge: every time the bill arrived, Renzo had forgotten his wallet. And since the children were there, it was impossible to make a scene. She paid. Silently.
One oversight, that happens. Two, maybe. But in just one month, Valentina found herself paying for several entire dinners—all by herself. Renzo, on the other hand, didn’t even seem to realize it.
