Gina Heslop
An 18-year-old woman sought advice on Reddit’s “AITA” forum after her boyfriend, John, blamed her for being banned from his favorite restaurant during his birthday dinner. The couple had been together for nearly a year, and their main point of contention was the woman’s vegetarian lifestyle and refusal to spend money on meat.
The conflict escalated during John’s birthday dinner when, after enjoying an expensive steak, the woman requested separate bills. This surprised John, who assumed she would cover the entire cost as it was his birthday and claimed he hadn’t budgeted for the meal. Despite her long-standing rule about not spending money on meat, John provided no reasoning for his expectation.
Attempting to compromise, she offered to pay for the wine and side salad while expecting him to cover the costly steak. This proposal angered John, leading him to storm off to the bathroom.
She paid for her part of the meal, waiting for his return, but after 20 minutes, he didn’t reappear. Eventually finding him outside, he was unaware of her payment and exploded in anger when informed.
Despite her composed insistence that he settle the bill, John defiantly walked away. Unable to get him to take responsibility, she drove home alone.
Later, he blamed her for his inability to return to the restaurant, citing the incident as a potential dine-and-dash. Seeking advice online, the woman defended herself, explaining she had gone into her savings to buy him a birthday present, emphasizing that it was his idea to go out.
