My boyfriend ‘magically’ forgets his credit card every time we go out to eat with his kids.

We’ve been together for 9 months. Once a week, we go to a restaurant to dine with his kids. BUT every single time the bill comes, he’s like, “Oh no, forgot my card again.” So who ends up paying? Me, obviously, because the kids are there. Last time, right after I got my paycheck, he lets the kids order whatever they want, racking up a massive bill. But he had no clue what I had planned this time.

You should’ve seen his face when the bill came and I didn’t reach for my wallet. Instead, I looked at him expectantly, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, no,” he said, patting his pockets theatrically. “I forgot my card again.”

I smiled sweetly and turned to the waiter. “Excuse me, could you please split the bill? My boyfriend will cover his and his kids’ meals, and I’ll pay for mine.”

The waiter nodded, and my boyfriend’s face turned from pale to red in an instant. “Wait, babe, you know I forgot my card,” he stammered, his eyes widening in panic.

I shrugged nonchalantly. “No worries. You can always call someone to bring it to you or transfer the money to me, and I’ll pay for your part.”

His kids looked on in confusion as he fumbled for his phone, trying to come up with an excuse. “Uh, well, maybe you could just cover it this time, and I’ll pay you back when we get home?”

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms. “You’ve been saying that for months, and I’ve never seen a dime. It’s time for you to take responsibility.”

The waiter returned with the split bill, and I handed over my card to cover my portion. My boyfriend’s face was a mix of embarrassment and anger as he made a hurried call to a friend, begging for a quick loan to cover his and the kids’ meals.

The kids were starting to get fidgety, sensing the tension. I leaned over and smiled at them, trying to keep the situation as light as possible for their sake. “Why don’t we play a game while we wait? How about I Spy?”

Their faces lit up, and we started the game, their laughter filling the awkward silence that hung over the table. Eventually, my boyfriend’s friend arrived, looking annoyed but handed over the cash. My boyfriend paid the bill, muttering under his breath.

As we left the restaurant, I pulled him aside. “We need to talk about this. I’m happy to treat once in a while, but this has become a pattern. If we’re going to make this work, we need to be partners, not one person constantly bailing the other out.”

He looked down, shamefaced. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

I nodded, hoping he meant it. Relationships are about balance and mutual respect, and it was time he learned that lesson. As we walked to the car, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders, hoping this would be a turning point for us.