First Impressions

The $30 Salad
my ruthless dating faux pas

I just went on my first online date since moving to New York City. I really hate dating but can't find a way to avoid it if singlehood is not my preferred future. So I met this guy for 'coffee' which is always a safe first meet - if he's wacko, you can leave quickly. Met in the UWS faux French cafe, French Roast. Conversation was flowing but bordered on the boring side - talking about model trains and umbrellas. He complained about gold diggers, how he loved Germany but couldn't live there because he could never pass the language test. He works for some patio furniture store. He was nice enough so I had a light dinner. I ordered a salad and tea, he had beer and chicken. Check came and he wanted to split the bill. Had he been a friend, I wouldn't mind this - with friends the cost even out over time, back and forth. In this case my $10 meal turned into $20. I wasn't going to see him again so I just paid. I don't date for free meals but it is sort of nice if the date doesn't make you subsidize his drink and meal. Is that too much to ask?