I took my crush to a fancy restaurant downtown—candlelit tables, soft jazz, the works. Everything was perfect; we had instant chemistry. We laughed over appetizers, shared stories about our travels, and her eyes sparkled when she teased me about my cheesy pickup lines. Before dessert, she excused herself to the bathroom to freshen up.
Fifteen minutes ticked by. Then twenty. I texted her—no reply. Just as I started worrying, the manager approached with a tight smile, slid the bill across the table, and said, “Sir, it’s time to settle up.” Confused, I paid and followed him out. In the lobby, he dropped the bomb: “Your date informed us she feels uncomfortable and fears for her safety. We’re escorting you off the premises for her protection.”
My whole world crumbled. Embarrassed? Shattered? Both. I’d been nothing but kind and polite all evening—holding doors, complimenting her genuinely, never once crossing a line. We’d been laughing together just minutes before! What the hell changed in that bathroom stall?
I stumbled home in a daze, replaying every word, every glance. Ghosted forever—I never saw her again. I boycotted that restaurant and, for months, ditched first dates entirely. Trust issues? Understatement. Ladies, if something’s off, just say it—don’t nuke a guy’s ego like that. Guys, vet your vibes harder. Lesson learned the hard way. Who’s got a redemption date story?
