Dating has been a chore for me, especially since my 30s. So, when I felt lonely, I decided to give a dating app a try.
I matched with Brad, who seemed to have everything together. His profile showed a charming smile and a sophisticated taste in food, with just a hint of arrogance that I found oddly attractive. I decided to take a chance.
Brad suggested a fancy restaurant for our first date. Nervous but hopeful, I dressed up and headed out, thinking even if the date didn’t go well, the food would be worth it.
At the upscale restaurant, Brad appeared completely at ease, ordering extravagantly while I opted for a modest poke bowl. He barely paid attention to me, focusing more on the food. When the bill arrived, Brad excused himself to use the restroom but never returned.
After waiting and texting him with no response, the waitress informed me that Brad had left without paying. I was left with the bill for his expensive meal. I paid and tipped generously, feeling a mix of anger and humor at the absurdity of the situation.
My friend Cleo suggested I contact Brad again for a bit of fun. So, I texted him as if nothing had happened: “Hey, I had a great time last night! We should do it again sometime!”
Brad quickly agreed, thinking he’d gotten away with his stunt. I replied with a twist: “How about something special? I’ll book you a car to a surprise location. My treat!”
He eagerly accepted. On the day of the “date,” I arranged for a car to pick him up from his apartment and sent him a text: “Surprise! Enjoy the circus!”
Brad’s confusion and frustration were evident in his replies. “What the heck? Why would you do this? Are you seriously not coming?”
I texted back, “Oh, didn’t I mention? The circus is in town, Brad! Check it out; it’s where you belong with your disappearing acts.”
Brad’s final message was, “Very funny. I’m leaving. You owe me for this car. The driver’s fee is ridiculous.”
I laughed and replied, “You want me to pay for driving you to the circus?”
He responded with, “I’m blocking you. You have problems, Savannah.”
I chuckled and continued enjoying my solo pamper session. Sometimes, finding a partner on a dating app can be quite an adventure.
