Bella, 24, from Kent: ‘I went home with a receipt for £125. I lied about my tube stop and never returned his call’
I went on a first date with a friend of a friend who I’d met a few weeks before. He was charming and confident, although a bit too short for me. I made a mental note not to wear heels in his company.
So when he called I was keen to take him up on his offer of dinner. He suggested a sushi restaurant and met me at the station where we hopped in a cab, which he paid for in a nonchalant manner.
After taking our seats the waiter appeared, and my date ordered our drinks and food without even asking me what I wanted. I took it as confidence and thought “Hey, it’s nice not to have to make decisions!”
The date went well at first: the food was delicious, the wine was flowing, and my company, while a little arrogant (first-date nerves?), was charming. So when the bill arrived, the cheeky twinkle in his eye had me relaxed (and a little relieved) when he reached to pick it up. After all he had chosen the venue, the drinks and the food he’d over-ordered.
But then he said “Let’s guess how much the bill is, and whoever is closest pays.” I guessed £80 and he guessed £100. I went home with a receipt for £125.
On the way home I lied about my tube stop and afterwards never returned his call. When it comes to paying, it’s not black-and-white. If we decided on a place together, we split it. If we are having fun and he offers to pay for the bill, I’ll accept and offer to buy drinks at the next place. If it was a shocking date, I’m happy to go halves.
Today, 09:02 PM
