Going on a date is an important aspect that should be taken with utmost importance between two parties, be they friends, family, or acquaintances. As it always plays a significant role in building connections, getting to know each other better, having fun, creating lasting memories, and providing an avenue to lay the foundation of a potential relationship, I've been on a handful of dates, but then I've had those that went well and those that turned out to be a disaster. In this article, I'll be sharing experiences of the latter.
About four or five years ago, I was still based in Kano State, Nigeria. Being a northern state that's far from home and me being surrounded by people of a different tribe entirely, it was difficult to communicate or have a deep connection with anyone there throughout my days in that very state. On several occasions, I was bored and craved having a conversation with someone around me and not always depended on online conversations with my friends in Lagos.
So I took matters into my hands by exploring a Facebook group that's dedicated to residents of Kano State, and it was on one of my explorations that I met this beautiful lady who goes by the name Glory. One thing led to another, and we started chatting via DM and then shared contact, but we still couldn't meet in person because we live miles apart despite being in the same state, but I was pleased to at least have someone who shares almost the same experience with me when it comes to how I felt regarding the inability to communicate or relate to the culture of Kano's citizens.
After about six months of virtual communication, we finally decided to meet up with each other, and what better way to do that than on Valentine's Day? As it was in the month of February, I was finally given two weeks leave at my place of work. We both reached an agreement to meet at a popular restaurant, Domino's Pizza, that's also home to Cold Stone ice cream, and on that fateful day, I dressed up as best as I could and ordered an Uber driver to pick me up and then drive to her place to pick her up before heading to the location.
Things went south immediately. I got to her place, and it was from that very moment I knew this date was bound to be terrible because, on getting to her place and placing a car for her to step out, rather than an exclusive date, I had a place to be for both of us. I was shocked to see her step out with those of her friends and two children, and before I could say jack, they've all stepped into the car. In fact, while I was already disappointed, the anger of the Uber driver doesn't give me room to show mine, as he was complaining about how six people are being packed into a car that ought to only carry 4 passengers at most.
We were later conveyed to the restaurant, and I made the waiter take my order and hers, but I was surprised to see her ask, What about her friends? I was like, I only asked you out on a date, not your friends and children, at the end of the day, so as not to cause a scene, I asked them to place their own order, and right before my eyes I saw them ordering things that are super expensive, and I'm like, wow, but I wasn't too bothered because I knew I could still afford what they'd ordered, even though it went beyond my budget.
I was still trying to be optimistic about the date and the lady because I knew, or thought, she wasn't that type of person. I mean, when we spoke and agreed on going on a date, it was aimed at getting to know each other better, but things went extremely bad when our order arrived, and I was trying to start a conversation between us, but one way or another, the friends kept interfering. I suggested we move to another table to have privacy, but she insisted on staying, which isn't much of a big deal to me until she, on several occasions, neglected me and instead had conversations with her friends and left me hanging with no one to talk to.
After about an hour of trying to hold a meaningful conversation with her without any luck, I lose it because I was literally boiling inside, and out of anger I didn't say anything to her; I just stood up, walked up to the counter, and requested the bill. Immediately I was given the bill, I made payment with my card, and walked out of the restaurant. I was surprised they didn't even notice me leave, because it was after about 30 minutes of me being on my way home that I got her call inquiring about my whereabouts, which I told her I'm on my way home.
She was even mad at me over the phone after learning of my whereabouts and then inquired about how they'll return home, and I'm like, they should find a way to sort themselves; I've tried my best by helping them pay for about 200k worth of pizza and ice creams they ordered, so a fare home won't be a big deal. She continue pleading with me to help, as they don't have any cash with them with the tfare, but I was overwhelmed with anger and didn't send anything because I had to delve into my savings to pay for what they ordered.
All photos are taken and edited on canva.