I thought dinner would be a celebration of my boyfriend Matt’s birthday. Instead, it became the clearest picture yet of where I stood in his life. We’d been together for two years, and though things were mostly sweet, there was always one thorn: his mother, Diane. Elegant, polished, and sharp beneath her sugary tone, she had a way of making me feel small with the softest words.

That night, at a beautiful Italian restaurant, I arrived excited — dress picked out, gift in hand, ready to make the evening special. But when we reached the table, I noticed Diane’s purse placed firmly on the seat beside Matt. I slid into the chair opposite, determined not to make a scene. Then she laughed lightly and said, “Sweetheart, you always need to be next to Matt, don’t you?” With a smirk, she gestured for me to move. “Scooch, sweetie.” Everyone laughed. Even Matt. My cheeks burned as I shifted down the bench, watching Diane slide in triumphantly beside her son.

I left minutes later, humiliated. Matt later texted that I had “embarrassed” him. Diane sent her own message: “Sorry, you were so sensitive tonight.” Both insisted it was just a joke. But to me, it was a test. And I saw clearly who Matt would always choose.

So I invited them to dinner at my place — but set two tables. One for the family, and a tiny one in the corner, labeled in glitter: “MOM AND HER TREASURE SEATS ONLY.”

Diane laughed. Matt didn’t. That night, he broke up with me by text, accusing me of being petty.

I replied simply: “Oh, I can take a joke. I dated you long enough.”

And with that, I finally had peace.