We arranged to move Brooke and Mason to a standard hotel room—no private pool, no ocean view. When the manager informed her of the downgrade, her reaction was immediate.
“This must be a mistake!” she yelled.
When she called me, fuming, I said, “Sweetheart, you said the villa was too small. I thought a simpler room might suit you better.”
“You’re ruining my honeymoon!” she cried.
Gary took the phone. “Brooke, enough. It’s time you learned to appreciate what you’re given. Grow up.”
For days, we heard nothing. Then Brooke called, her tone subdued. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I was selfish. The hotel room made me realize how much you’ve done for me. I’ll do better.”
Gary softened. “We just want you to understand the value of what you have.”
“I do now,” she replied.
After the call, Gary turned to me with a mix of relief and admiration. “Well, you did it. She finally gets it.”
“Sometimes, all it takes is a little wake-up call,” I said with a smile.
What do you think—was this the right way to teach gratitude, or did we go too far?