As I walked down the aisle in my dream dress, the soft music played. My father held my hand, and I felt elated. “You look beautiful, Emily,” Jason said, taking my hand from my father. The ceremony began, and I shared my heartfelt vows. Jason’s turn came, and his groomsmen chuckled as he made joke after joke at my expense. I felt humiliated.

During the reception, Jason’s drinking and loud laughter added to my discomfort. His brother’s speech was no better, filled with teasing. But it was Jason’s father, Robert, who turned the tide. “Jason, respect is key to a marriage,” he said, criticizing Jason’s hurtful vows. To teach Jason a lesson, Robert shared embarrassing stories about him, turning the room’s laughter onto Jason.

“I apologize, Emily,” Robert said. “Jason has a lot to learn.” Jason, humbled, apologized too. “I see how ridiculous I was being. Give me another chance.”

“Fine,” I said, “but it’s going to take more than words to fix this.” As the evening continued, I hoped Jason would prove he could be the partner I deserved.