When Eric insisted on paying for our first date, I thought I\u2019d met a true gentleman. Roses, a sweet gift, charming conversation \u2014 he was checking all the boxes.<\/p>\n
My best friend Mia had set us up, convinced he was perfect for me. Her boyfriend Chris vouched for him too, so I gave it a shot.<\/p>\n
Eric went all out \u2014 flowers, a personalized keychain, thoughtful conversation, and he wouldn\u2019t let me touch the bill. I left thinking it was the best first date I\u2019d ever had.<\/p>\n
The next morning, I got a text \u2014 not a sweet follow-up, but an invoice<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Yes, a detailed invoice<\/strong> breaking down every “service” from the night \u2014 including flowers, holding doors, and dinner \u2014 and assigning “payments” like a hug, a compliment, or a second date. At the bottom: \u201cFailure to comply may result in collections. (Chris will hear about it.)\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n I sent it to Mia. She showed Chris, who was so shocked (and amused) he made a mock invoice<\/strong> in return: Eric didn’t take it well. I got a barrage of angry texts. I responded with a thumbs-up and blocked him.<\/p>\n Mia apologized, but I wasn\u2019t even mad \u2014 it became the funniest dating story I\u2019ve ever had.<\/p>\n Lesson learned: If a guy insists on paying, make sure he\u2019s not going to bill you later.<\/p>\n I still kept the keychain \u2014 a hilarious souvenir from the weirdest date of my life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When Eric insisted on paying for our first date, I thought I\u2019d met a true gentleman. Roses, a sweet gift, charming conversation \u2014 he was checking all the boxes. My best friend Mia had set us up, convinced he was perfect for me. Her boyfriend Chris vouched for him too, so I gave it a…<\/p>\n
\u201cIntroducing you to a gorgeous woman: 1 permanent block,\u201d
\u201cConvincing her you were a gentleman: Deep personal reflection,\u201d
and so on.<\/p>\n