When my stepdaughter Brooke called to complain about her honeymoon villa, I knew it was time to teach her a lesson in gratitude. Gary and I had spared no expense for her wedding and honeymoon, but her entitled attitude left us stunned. What started as a dream getaway turned into a wake-up call she’ll never forget.
Brooke had always been ambitious, but over the years, she’d also become a bit spoiled. Gary and I had supported her every step of the way—from college tuition to her dream wedding at a stunning vineyard. For her honeymoon, we booked a luxurious villa in the Dominican Republic, complete with a private pool and breathtaking ocean views. We thought it was the perfect gift to start her new life with Mason.
But the morning after they arrived, Brooke called, furious. “This villa is tiny!” she complained. “The pool is a joke, and the beach is a five-minute walk away. Honestly, Dad, it’s like you don’t care.” Her words stung, especially after all we’d done for her.
Gary was livid, but I had an idea. I called the villa’s management and downgraded their reservation to a modest hotel room with no frills. When Brooke found out, she was furious, but it was the reality check she needed. After a week in the basic room, she called to apologize, finally realizing how much we’d done for her.
Sometimes, tough love is the best way to teach gratitude. Brooke learned that lesson the hard way, but it brought our family closer in the end.
