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, we’d always gone the extra mile. For her honeymoon, we booked a stunning villa in the Dominican Republic—private pool, ocean views, everything a newlywed couple could want. The morning after they arrived, my phone rang. It was Brooke, and she was furious. “This place is tiny,

she complained. “The pool is pathetic, and the beach is a five-minute walk. Honestly, you guys are so cheap.” Gary was stunned. After everything we’d done, she was upset because the villa didn’t meet her over-the-top expectations. Instead of arguing, I took a deep breath—and 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,