For years, my wealthy in-laws pulled the same stunt: they’d invite people to expensive dinners and “forget” their wallets, leaving others with the massive bill. Even my husband admitted it was a long-standing family habit. So when they invited my mom to a fancy birthday dinner while we were out of town, I panicked. I warned her they’d likely try to stick her with the bill.

“Don’t worry,” she said calmly. “I’ll handle it.” And she did. At the restaurant, my in-laws ordered the most extravagant items. One by one, they slipped away with excuses—leaving my mom with a $1,500 tab.