When Eric insisted on paying for our first date \u2014 complete with roses, a thoughtful gift, and charming conversation \u2014 I thought I\u2019d found a true gentleman. My best friend Mia had set us up, swearing he was perfect. And honestly, he seemed it.<\/p>\n
The date was great. He was attentive, engaging, and even gave me a monogrammed keychain. When the check came, he insisted, \u201cA man pays on the first date,\u201d with such finality, I didn\u2019t argue.<\/p>\n
I went home smiling \u2014 until the next morning, when he sent me a detailed invoice<\/em> for the date. I thought it was a joke, until I read it:<\/p>\n Roses: 1 hug<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Gift: 1 coffee date<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Dinner: A second date, no excuses<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Listening: A compliment about his looks<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n And the kicker? \u201cFailure to comply may result in collections (Chris will hear about it).\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Jaw. On. Floor.<\/p>\n I sent it to Mia, who was horrified. Her boyfriend Chris \u2014 Eric\u2019s longtime friend \u2014 was furious<\/em> and came up with the perfect revenge: a parody invoice charging Eric for \u201cIntroducing you to a gorgeous woman\u201d and \u201cNot exposing you to the internet.\u201d<\/p>\n Eric didn\u2019t take it well. He sent a string of angry texts before I blocked him.<\/p>\n Mia apologized, but I wasn\u2019t upset. It became the best story I\u2019ve ever had from a first date \u2014 and yes, I kept the keychain as a souvenir.<\/p>\n Moral of the story? If a guy insists on paying, make sure he doesn\u2019t send you a bill afterward.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When Eric insisted on paying for our first date \u2014 complete with roses, a thoughtful gift, and charming conversation \u2014 I thought I\u2019d found a true gentleman. My best friend Mia had set us up, swearing he was perfect. And honestly, he seemed it. The date was great. He was attentive, engaging, and even gave…<\/p>\n\n