When my stepdaughter Brooke got married, my husband Gary and I did everything we could to make it perfect. From covering her college tuition to throwing her dream vineyard wedding, we’d always gone the extra mile. For her honeymoon, we booked a stunning villa in the Dominican Republic—private pool, ocean views, everything a newlywed couple could want. The morning after they arrived, my phone rang. It was Brooke, and she was furious. “This place is tiny,
” she complained. “The pool is pathetic, and the beach is a five-minute walk. Honestly, you guys are so cheap.” Gary was stunned. After everything we’d done, she was upset because the villa didn’t meet her over-the-top expectations. Instead of arguing, I took a deep breath—and made a call to the villa management. I downgraded their stay to a modest hotel room nearby. No ocean view. No private pool. Just the basics Hours later,