Reasons to stay single Chapter one: For the guys

When I go on a first date, one of my favorite questions to ask my companion is what his favorite "dating horror story" is. I absolutely love these! A dating horror story usually happens to unseasoned singles who just don't know any better. In hindsight, the stories are hysterical, but in the moment, for the poor romantic hopeful, they can be uncomfortable or even downright scary. I thought I'd share one of my favorite dating lessons learned.

I met a man on a match. com date who we'll refer to as "Bottomless Wallet." Bottomless told me of a date he had with another online single, who will be named "GldDggr101." Bottomless met GldDggr at a sushi restaurant. According to him, his date was pleasant, the conversation flowed easily and he was feeling somewhat hopeful.

When Bottomless excused himself to go to the men's room, GldDggr decided to order a drink. She ordered the most expensive bottle of wine on the menu. Bottomless returned to the table to find this very costly bottle waiting for his approval. Feeling a bit perturbed at not being consulted, but not wanting to off end, he accepted the bottle and turned his attention to the sushi menu, ordering himself a few of his favorites. GldDggr ordered the Sushi House Boat. For those of you who aren't sushicool, the boat is enough food for three people. And also one of the more expensive items on the menu. By this point, Bottomless is starting to wonder what the credit limit is on his Visa.

When the meals arrive, GldDggr eats half of the boat, sits back in her seat and unbuttons the top button on her slacks. Claiming to have a mouth larger in size than her stomach (is that possible?), GldDggr proceeds to order the "sushi box" to take the remainder of the boat home in (the sushi box is an ornately carved wooden box that costs about $60) and then asks to see the dessert menu.

Poor Bottomless is aghast. He starts to question whether or not this is really happening. Does GldDggr really expect him to pay for all this? Surely she will offer to go Dutch? Maybe she has a gift certificate she plans to use when the bill arrives. When the dessert menu arrives, GldDggr orders two, not one, two pieces of key lime pie. She explains to Bottomless that she'd like to take a piece home with her to have with the rest of the sushi boat.

That is the last straw for Bottomless. He finds his manhood and informs Gld- Dggr that her behavior is selfish, rude and downright nervy. GldDggr, in turn, is insulted by Bottomless's outrage and informs him that this is how she is accustomed to being treated on a date. She collects her Bottomless date souvenirs and leaves the restaurant without leaving a penny on the table.

This story is the inspiration for one of my "first date rules." On a first date, have a couple of drinks or coffee. Never make a first date for dinner. No meals or appetizers allowed. Following this rule ensures a couple of things. Nobody has to sit through a long, dreary meal with someone they may or may not ever see again. The date can be as long or as short as you choose. And finally, this is a cost-eff ective date. If you can't aff ord a cup of coffee or a couple of drinks, you shouldn't be dating.

So what was the result of my date with Bottomless? We had a drink, a good laugh and both walked away knowing what not to do on a first date!