Navigating online dating can be tricky, but my date with Denise took an unexpected turn that I’ll never forget.
We had been chatting for a couple of weeks and hit it off well enough that I asked Denise out. We chose an upscale restaurant downtown for our first date. I was excited, but my enthusiasm took a hit when Denise walked in with her mother, Claire.
“Hi, Ronny! This is my mom, Claire!” Denise introduced with a smile, as though this was completely normal.
“Hi, nice to meet you,” I replied, trying to mask my surprise. Claire’s firm handshake and penetrating gaze made me feel like I was under a spotlight.
Claire took control of the conversation immediately, grilling me with questions. “Where do your parents work?”
“My mom’s a retired teacher, and my dad’s a retired engineer,” I said, feeling like I was in a job interview.
Claire continued, “Do you own your place or rent?”
“I rent a small house,” I answered, increasingly uncomfortable.
“What’s your profession? How much do you earn?” Claire’s questions were relentless.
A man using his cell phone | Source: Pexels
I glanced at Denise, hoping for some support, but she just smiled and nodded. It became clear they were more interested in my financial status than in getting to know me.
An idea sparked. If they wanted to play games, I’d have some fun.
“Oh, absolutely. Let’s get those lobsters,” I said. “I understand you’re here to assess my suitability for Denise.”
Claire’s eyes lit up. “Exactly. We’re accustomed to a certain lifestyle.”
I decided to escalate. “I earn millions every month from investments my dad made for me. Money is no object.”
Claire and Denise’s eyes widened. I continued, “I’ll also buy you a home nearby. You’ll need to help Denise with the kids, so it’ll be important.”
Claire’s enthusiasm soared. She began discussing her dream beach house and pool, while Denise talked about her ideal kitchen and walk-in closet.
Then, I dropped the bombshell. “You’ll need to meet my other wives first. They need to approve of you before we move forward.”
Claire’s face froze, and Denise’s jaw dropped. “Other… wives?” Claire stammered.
“Yes, I have two other wives. I expect you’ll have at least five children,” I said, struggling to keep a straight face.
Denise looked like she might faint. Claire’s shock turned to anger. “Five children? Are you joking?”
“No, not at all,” I said, trying to hide my amusement. “It’s a full lifestyle.”
Denise’s voice shook. “Why didn’t you mention this before?”
“It didn’t seem relevant,” I said. “But with all this talk of the future, I thought it was important to be honest.”
Claire’s indignation was clear. “This is outrageous!”
“I wasn’t leading anyone on,” I said, standing up. “Just sharing my life. If you’re interested, these are the details.”
When the bill arrived, Claire glared at me. “You’re paying, right?”
I smiled. “In my culture, we value independence. I want to give you the chance to show yours.”
Their faces were a mix of anger and confusion. Denise grabbed her purse, and Claire’s face turned red.
“You’ve got to be kidding!” Denise exclaimed.
“Nope,” I said, placing some cash on the table. “It was nice meeting you.”
As I walked away, I heard them scrambling to gather their things. The night air felt refreshing, and I reflected on the bizarre but empowering experience.
The date had been an unexpected challenge, but turning the tables on Claire and Denise was satisfying. Sometimes, giving entitled people a taste of their own medicine is the best way to handle them.
