Letter from Charlotte:
So I (27F) went on a first date last week with this guy (29M) I’d been chatting with for a bit. We’d been vibing over text, and I was actually excited because it’s been a while since I felt that little pre-date buzz. Anyway, we went to this cute little restaurant. Conversation is flowing, no weird silences, honestly, I thought things were going well.
Then the bill comes. He picks it up, looks at it for a second, then literally slides it over to me and says, something like this: “I don’t think it’s fair you expect me to pay for your vegan meal, which I didn’t even try.” I was honestly so shocked I didn’t even know what to say. I didn’t ask him to order it, I didn’t make him eat it, it was just my dinner. But instead of starting an argument right there, I just excused myself, went to the restroom, and walked straight out.
A couple of hours later, he calls me, super angry, accusing me of putting him in an uncomfortable situation and demanding I pay him back. I didn’t respond. Next thing I know, mutual friends are telling me he’s ranting that I’m “the worst date he’s ever had” and that I acted entitled.
So now I’m second-guessing myself. I didn’t expect him to pay for my food, I would’ve happily split if he’d asked! But the way he said it made me feel like I was being scolded for ordering what I normally eat?? Idk, it just rubbed me so wrong.
Bright Side, be honest, was I in the wrong here? Should I have just paid for my part and avoided the drama, or was leaving the right move?
Best,
Charlotte.
