Matt and I had been together almost two years, but his mom, Diane, always made things complicated. Polite but sharp, she never really accepted me. On Matt’s birthday dinner, at a cozy Italian restaurant, Diane saved the seat right next to him my spot. When I sat on the other side, she smirked and said, “Scooch, sweetie,” then moved me down so she could sit between us.
Everyone laughed, including Matt. I felt humiliated as Diane clung to him, wiping his cheek and laughing loudly while I sat ignored. After a few minutes, I quietly left. Matt called and texted, angry I made a scene. Diane called it a joke.
I realized Matt found my humiliation funny and wasn’t willing to stand up to his mom. Weeks later, I invited them for dinner, setting two tables one for them, one for me and friends.
Diane laughed, but Matt was uncomfortable. Later, he called me petty and ended things over text. I finally felt free—no more scooching, just peace.