I had been registered on dating sites for some time and had experienced a few strange encounters, but what happened this time surpassed everything!
Deniz and I met a few weeks ago and immediately hit it off. She was kind and charming, and as she said herself, even my silly jokes made her laugh. Not long after, I invited her on a date. Our schedules were busy, but finally last weekend we managed to meet.
I chose a stylish restaurant in the city center. I was excited. As usual, I arrived early — I like to make a good impression. While waiting, I looked around: soft lighting, modern décor, quiet conversations — the perfect atmosphere for a first date.
And then she arrived. But not alone. Walking beside her was an older woman, elegantly dressed, with a piercing gaze that could cut through metal. I felt tension in my stomach.
“Hi, Ronnie!” Deniz said with a wide smile. “This is my mother, Claire.”
“Very nice to meet you,” I replied, trying to hide my surprise. Claire extended her hand, and her handshake said: “I’m in charge here.”
“I hope you don’t mind that I joined you tonight,” she said firmly.
“Of course, the more the merrier,” I lied without hesitation, while thoughts raced through my mind: “What is going on here?”
We sat down, and Claire immediately took the initiative.
– So, Ronnie, where do your parents work? – she began, looking at me like a predator eyeing its prey.
I tried to answer calmly, gradually feeling like I was in a job interview.
– My mom is a teacher, my dad is an engineer, but now they are both retired.
– I see. And where do you live? In your own apartment or renting?
– In a small house – I replied, realizing the situation was getting tense.
– What do you do for a living? How much do you earn? – the questions came one after another.
I hoped Deniz would intervene, but she just smiled, as if it were natural.
– I already told Deniz what I do – I tried to ease the situation.
Deniz nodded, then turned to her mother:
– Ronnie is a business analyst.
Claire nodded approvingly and leaned forward, looking me straight in the eyes:
– It seems you’re a good match for Deniz, Ronnie. We like to live well, enjoy life, and indulge in little luxuries. And for that, you need money!
– That seems reasonable – I cautiously agreed, gradually realizing Claire’s true purpose.
– And we want lobster – she pointed to the menu. – You’ll pay, of course, right?
I looked at Deniz, expecting her to intervene. But she just kept smiling. A thought came to mind: if they want to play this game, let them!
I smiled broadly:
– Of course! Lobsters for us! I also enjoy the luxurious life and I see there’s a serious conversation here about my future with your daughter, right, ma’am?
– Deniz loves you very much, Ronnie, but I need to make sure you can provide her with a comfortable life – said Claire.
– Of course! Every month I earn well from investments my father made when I was a child. Money is no problem for me – I said completely seriously.
Claire brightened up, and Deniz opened her mouth in astonishment. I barely managed to suppress a laugh.
– And of course, I’ll take care of Deniz if we get married. She’ll stay home with the children, and for you, ma’am, I’ll also buy a house nearby.
They exchanged glances, almost believing my words.
– Oh my, Ronnie! That’s simply wonderful! – exclaimed Claire. – Ronnie, you’re so kind-hearted – added Deniz.
I nodded seriously.
– Everything sounds great. Of course, first meet my other wives so they can bless our plans.
Claire’s and Deniz’s faces went pale immediately.
– What did you say? – Claire asked sharply. – Other… wives? – Deniz whispered with a trembling voice.
– Yes, I have two other wonderful women. We have a big family. Some children are too spoiled, so they go to adoptive parents. And I expect you to have at least five children to restore balance – I continued calmly.
Claire’s face turned blue, her eyes widened, and Deniz looked like she was about to faint.
– Five children?! – she whispered. – That… is a joke, right? – whispered Claire.
– Not at all. It’s quite an exciting lifestyle – I said, barely holding back laughter.
Claire quickly got upset:
– That’s outrageous! How could you deceive us like this?
– I didn’t deceive you. I just told the truth about my life. If you really consider joining my family, you need to know the truth – I replied calmly.
When the waiter brought the bill, Claire looked at me, expecting me to pay. I smiled and said:
– In our culture, we value the strength and independence of women. Show those qualities now. I won’t pay for you.
Their faces expressed both outrage and shock.
Deniz reached for her handbag with a trembling hand, while Claire was visibly furious.
– Seriously? – Deniz exclaimed.
– Absolutely. This is your chance to show how independent and strong you are – I replied, standing up and leaving payment only for my own dinner.
– It was nice meeting you.
When I stepped out onto the street, the cool evening air was pleasantly refreshing. I took a deep breath, reflecting on the evening: what was supposed to be a first date had turned into a true lesson in assertiveness.
Sometimes the best way to deal with bold people is to use their own tactics against them. Deniz and Claire realized: if you try to manipulate someone for money, it can end quite comically.
It was one of the most memorable first dates of my life – and an important lesson in standing your ground.
As I approached my car, I couldn’t stop smiling.
I will be telling this story for many years. Not only because it was strange and funny, but also because it reminded me of my own strength and cleverness.
