cannot genuinely agree to an expense they do not know exists.
That was why the timing of the restaurant request mattered.
Before dinner, she had choices.
After dinner, she had an obligation placed in front of her.
The difference was communication.
She began thinking about what would have happened if he had said, “I found a restaurant I’d love to try for Valentine’s Day. It will probably be about $190 each. Are you comfortable splitting it?”
That single sentence could have prevented the entire conflict.
She could have said yes.
She could have said no.
They could have changed plans.
Nobody would have been tested.
Nobody would have been embarrassed.
And both people would have participated in the financial decision.
That is what partnership looks like.
The proposal issue made the communication problem even larger.
Marriage should not be something one person dangles over the other as proof of good
