My best friend Mia set me up on a blind date with Eric. He arrived with roses and a thoughtful keychain bearing my initial. Dinner was lovely—polite, engaging conversation. He insisted on paying when I offered to split the bill. I went home smiling.
The next morning, Eric sent a “joke” invoice: charges for flowers, the gift, even opening the car door, plus “compliments” and a “second date guarantee.” It felt half-funny, half-serious, leaving me unsure.
I showed Mia. She was stunned. Her boyfriend Chris, who knew Eric, fired back a playful counter-invoice for “introducing you to a wonderful person” and “kindness with terms.” Eric got flustered; I replied with a simple thumbs-up.
Mia later called, laughing and apologizing. The mishap became a memorable story. I kept the keychain—not for the date, but as a quirky relic of modern dating. Lesson learned: even sweet gestures can confuse, and clear communication beats clever surprises.
