When my stepdaughter Brooke got married, my husband Gary and I did everything we could to make it perfect. From covering
her college tuition to throwing her dream vineyard wedding, weâd always gone the extra mile. For her honeymoon, we booked a
stunning villa in the Dominican Republicâprivate pool, ocean views, everything a newlywed couple could want. The morning
after they arrived, my phone rang. It was Brooke, and she was furious. âThis place is tiny,
â she complained. âThe pool is pathetic, and the beach is a five-minute walk. Honestly, you guys are so cheap.â Gary was
stunned. After everything weâd done, she was upset because the villa didnât meet her over-the-top expectations. Instead of
arguing, I took a deep breathâand made a call to the villa management. I downgraded their stay to a modest hotel room
nearby. No ocean view. No private pool. Just the basics Hours later,
