I’ve been with my boyfriend for 9 months. Once a week, we dine out 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.

At first, I gave him the benefit of the doubt. I thought, “Maybe it really is just forgetfulness.” But it happened again and again—nine months of weekly dinners where I foot the bill while he conveniently had “forgotten” his wallet.

One night, right after I got my paycheck, we went out as usual. He encouraged the kids to order whatever they wanted—appetizers, entrees, desserts, even expensive drinks. I saw the bill ballooning, and inside, I knew he assumed I’d just cover it again like always.

But this time, I had a plan. When the check came and he gave his usual “Oops, forgot my card” line, I looked at him and said, “That’s okay, I didn’t bring mine either.” His face turned white. The kids looked confused, and the waiter stood there awkwardly holding the bill.

He started stammering, saying he’d “go get his wallet from the car,” but I knew there was no wallet. He sat there, fumbling, eventually pulling out a maxed-out card that didn’t go through. The waiter came back and said, “It was declined.”

Eventually, he had no choice but to call a friend to bring him money. The whole ordeal took over 30 minutes. The kids got restless, and everyone in the restaurant noticed what was happening. He looked embarrassed—really embarrassed—for the first time.

Afterward, I calmly told him this wouldn’t happen again. I said I wouldn’t be disrespected or financially manipulated, and if he wanted to be in a relationship with me, he’d have to contribute equally—or not at all.

That night was a turning point. Whether or not he changes is up to him. But me? I’m done being the backup wallet.