It’s pretty simple. I don’t date liars
Jeffrey seemed like a down-to-earth man, who was well-read, smart
Miranda is 27, works in nightlife, and lives in the west end. She says, “I like a clean face. I’m always striving for the ‘glass skin’ look. I only wear natural makeup.” She says, “I wear jeans and sneakers every day when I’m not working. I wear a dress and heels maybe one or two days a year, by choice. For some reason, people still ask me for style advice.” Miranda says, “When I have a day off, I go for walks alone, without my phone, and talk to people. I’ll pet other people’s dogs. I like to find myself in unexpected places.” Miranda likes “reading” and “relaxing” and says “I work out several times a week. I love group classes. It keeps my energy up.”
I met Jeffrey on an app. I was clear that I am an independent woman and am not looking for someone to save me or take over my life.
Jeffrey seemed really nice, well-read and smart. He was different than most guys I see online. More down-to-earth.
We texted back and forth with a little flirting. Jeffrey asked me if I wanted to hang out, and said he would come to where I live. He also surprised me by saying he wanted to meet at a bar for a drink rather than a coffee, which is what I always suggest. He said that coffee was impersonal.
I don’t really go out in my area, so I had to find a good place to go. I wanted to return the favour.
I got there a bit early. I chose a restaurant with a bar, but they were still serving the lunch crowd so I sat at a bar table. I’m aware that the wait staff live by their tips.
There was a glass door in the restaurant and from where I was sitting I could see people coming in and out. I kept watching the door hoping to see him, and then I finally did, in a way. A man who looked like Jeffrey’s dad walked in. He looked nothing like his profile. It was obvious that he was about 10 years older than he’d said he was.
He walked up and smiled like it was the most natural thing in the world that he was so much older.
He ordered a beer. I ordered a glass of rosé and told the waitress that we would be getting separate bills. He immediately started talking about a friend of his who had a much younger girlfriend and how well that was working out for them. It was so obvious that he thought I was going to be his much-younger girlfriend. The problem is, I don’t want to be someone’s much-younger girlfriend, and I don’t want to be a liar’s girlfriend, either. He also talked about money, and all the places he’s gone.
When the waitress brought our drinks over, he argued with her about the beer he’d ordered. I was so irritated. I offered to switch drinks with him, but he just laughed and kept giving the waitress a hard time, even though she offered to get him a fresh one.
I watched the clock on my phone. Usually I commit an hour to dates and I knew I wasn’t staying any longer than that. I don’t tolerate liars, and even if he hadn’t lied about his age, I didn’t like spending time with him.
Finally the hour was up, and I signalled to the waitress to bring our bills. Mine was slightly more expensive than his, and I tipped the full amount of the bill. I could see him look at my bill and the fact that I had tipped 100 per cent. When he thought I wasn’t looking, he scooped up the toonie he had left as his own tip.
So even after he argued with the waitress, he stiffed her on his tip because I had tipped her well, as an apology for his behaviour.
Jeffrey made a few comments about getting together again. I’m usually pretty polite and try to let people down nicely, but I just said “I don’t think so.” I got up and left the restaurant.
Miranda rates her date (out of 10): 1
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