When my boyfriend planned a surprise trip to Santorini, all signs pointed to a proposal. He had been researching rings and asking about wedding plans for months. I was thrilled when we arrived at the stunning island, imagining a romantic week that would end with us engaged. The fantasy lasted until morning, when Ian announced that his best friend, Mark, had decided to join our vacation. At first, I didn’t mind—Mark was a good friend—but I soon realized this was no longer our trip.
Ian and Mark completely took over the vacation. They planned activities just for themselves, shared inside jokes, and generally acted like I wasn’t there. The final straw came when they tried to cancel our romantic dinner reservation to go to a beach party with Mark. In that moment, I saw my future: always playing second fiddle to their friendship. I decided to take matters into my own hands.
I worked with the hotel staff to move their bags into a honeymoon suite, complete with rose petals and champagne. When they returned, I explained that since they wanted to spend the trip together, they should enjoy the romantic setting. I left for the airport and ended the relationship. Sometimes the best surprises aren’t the ones we expect—they’re the moments that show us our worth and give us the courage to demand better.
