A young woman recorded a video of what she said was “an awkward first date” where she was told she didn’t look good enough for a free meal – and had to offer to pay.
The date went on to explain that she had to slide her card under the table – to make it look like he had paid because he ‘has a reputation to uphold’.
The video, shot by Winta Zesu, appears to be staged but appears to reflect the dating scene in New York City, where she lives and works.
Some men were offended by the video, saying it was an unfair look at dating culture, before being devastated by women who watched the video.
The video starts with the 21-year-old eating her meal, before being chastised by her date for ‘eating too fast’.
“The food isn’t going anywhere, are you enjoying this date or not,” the man says off camera.
A young woman recorded a very awkward first date where she was told she didn’t look good enough for a free meal – and even had to offer to pay
He then questioned whether she liked Italian food before telling her she would pay for the meal.
When she told him she “didn’t bring her card” and couldn’t pay for the meal, he called her un-lady and said it was bad manners to expect the man to pay.
“I thought you were rich, you told me you come from a rich family,” he added.
The video ends with her asking her to stop.
“I’m trying to eat and leave.”
Most people think the video is staged but accurate and sparked an explosive debate.
“I know this is a skit, and I know this guy is a tool. But there is some basis in what he is trying to convey. A lot of girls just accept dates to go out and get free food,” one man said.
“It’s very hurtful and inhumane when a guy really likes you and has to sit through an entire dinner where he knows you only showed up because he was going to pay,” he added.
He explained that he had been on a date where a woman was clearly not interested and left when the entrees arrived – wishing her well – and explained that he had no intention of seeing her eat for free.
But others had a different opinion; many called the man toxic and told her to “run.”
“Everything that came out of his mouth was wrong. Please tell me that was said because that sounded like toxic masculinity at its worst,” one woman said.
“This sounds like my toxic ex. He made me pay for everything for two years and told me how lucky I should feel to be with him,” said another.
‘I was on a date once where the guy told me his card didn’t work and that he would send me the money back, but he never did. To all the girls: never pay for a guy if he’s not your guy. Total waste of money,” another warned.
Some praised her.
‘Boss moment ‘can you stop talking, I’m trying to eat.’ Absolute murder of his ego, that was unfortunately necessary.’
But other women said they would have left much earlier in the meal.