United Nations

The average woman can relate to a time in their life where they may have gone on a date for a free meal. 

When I first arrived in DC, I was doing my final internship for my college degree. Student-Intern life usually places you in the category of lower income population. I was out on U St one evening and met this guy, Roger, who wanted to take me out on a date. Roger suggested going to the Cheesecake Factory. For those who have eaten at the Cheesecake Factory, you know that they are extremely generous with their portions. My first thought of the idea of Cheesecake Factory was "Leftovers for the rest of the week."

The evening of our date, Roger offered to pick me up. I wasn't too comfortable with that idea, so I gave him an address 3 blocks away from my apartment. Before we even got to the Cheesecake Factory I was already regretting this date. On our way there, Roger talked the entire time. He bragged about all his children. Roger was proud of the fact that all the mothers of his children were of different ethnicity. Prior to this car ride, Roger and I discussed my Canadian-Chadian background. I will forever be haunted by this next line said by Roger while he was speaking of all of children. "I haven't had a child with a Chadian yet." - followed by a wink and a smile. Nauseating.

Once we were seated at the restaurant, Roger started to discuss his weight loss. I have nothing against people working toward a healthier lifestyle, however don't brag about how healthy of an eater you and follow it by ordering triple-extra ranch dressing with your salad. When the waitress came to take our order, prior to me even making eye contact with her, Roger ordered his salad.

Gentleman etiquette 101

A gentleman always orders after his guests do.

A gentleman never orders salad as a main course. 

esquire.com

I then changed my mind and decided to order the entree with the largest portion - leftovers. The waitress came to take his empty plate and boxed the rest of my meal. She asked us if we wanted dessert. Roger, without asking me, immediately said "No, we good." 

At this point I was ready to walk, metro and/or hitchhike home. 

On the car ride home, Roger kept talking about how great he was, I can't really remember what he was saying, I had zoned out before getting into the car. When we got to my drop-off location, Roger had to the nerve to go in for the kiss. I hit him with a High-Five and called it a night.

Needless to say, until this day I have not returned any of his call. 

*****

3 years later

This past weekend I was at Society Lounge in Silver Spring. My friend and I were sitting at the bar, as we usual do. A man sitting 2 seats away from us got my attention and shouted "I would sure love some Cheesecake Factory" finished his drink, and walked away.