When Michael asked me out, I was excited.
He was a middle-school teacher, funny, well-spoken, and seemed genuinely kind during the weeks we had been talking.
He asked me to choose the restaurant.
I warned him that my favorite place was expensive, but he laughed and said, “Tonight is on me.”
We ordered appetizers, cocktails, dinner, and dessert.
The conversation was effortless. By the time the check arrived, I was already thinking about a second date.
The total was just over $500.
Michael handed over his card without blinking.
Then the server returned with the receipt.
He looked at it and called her back.
“You charged me for the extra sauce?”
She politely explained that it was listed on the menu.
Michael’s entire personality changed.
He started speaking to her like she was stupid, questioning every small charge and finally saying, “This is why people like you stay stuck serving tables.”
I was stunned.
The server apologized even though she had done nothing wrong.
Michael turned back to me and smiled as if nothing had happened.
That told me everything.
I excused myself, found the server, apologized, and quietly left her a generous cash tip.
Outside, Michael asked when he could see me again.
I thanked him for dinner.
Then I walked to my car and blocked his number.
Anyone can be charming to someone they want to impress. I pay attention to how they treat people they think they don’t need.
