Surprises can come in many forms, often with a price tag attached. Some of these surprises are like walking into an auto body shop expecting a simple oil change, only to be handed a bill that suggests you’ve been driving an old mine waiting for the right speed bump to go off on.

Being served a bill you didn’t expect is an odd experience, but when it comes from people who are considered family it’s much worse than a mechanic.

Just think of curious cases of unscheduled emotional maintenance, where individuals behave like shady mechanics, conjuring up costs for issues you never knew you had. They show up with invoices for emotional surcharges or neglect premiums—charges that seem as real as needing to replace your car’s flumblenook filter or glintzen valve. You didn’t know they exist, didn’t ask for these repairs, nor did you agree to the service, but somehow, you’re expected to pay. Surprise!