Dating seems like a simple and enjoyable activity. It's often filled with excitement and butterflies in the stomach. We prepare to look our best, try not to be late, and hope to have a great time - who knows, maybe even meet the love of our life. And sometimes it happens, and sometimes it definitely doesn't.
A Successful Date? Until It Wasn't. "Suddenly, He Unzips His Pants. I Got Up and Left"
I used to be quite active on dating apps and went on many dates. Eventually, I did find someone, and we've been together for several years. But before that, I encountered all kinds of guys
- started Magda. "The highlight was when one guy took me to a park in the evening (in the middle of the city, just so you know I had some sense)".
We talked for about an hour; I even started to like him, even felt some butterflies in my stomach. Then suddenly, he unzips his pants. I got up and left. If there were doors in the park, I would have slammed them. What do people have in their heads? I don't know, and I guess I'll never find out," she concluded.
Unwanted displays of intimate parts were also experienced by Kasia, who also tried online dating several times.
Sometimes they don't even say 'hi' and just send pictures. Apart from being absurd, it's also harassment
- she noted. It should be clearly stated here that showing your genitals without the other person's consent, whether electronically or in person, is not only displeasing to most people and downright disgraceful, but it also constitutes sexual assault. Such an offender can face up to 3 or 5 years in prison.
Fortunately, there are men who can keep certain images to themselves, at least during the first few dates. But even with such basic decency, dates don't always go well. Anita remembers her memorable one:
We were both teenagers at the time, so obviously, we were pretty clueless. I had just broken up with my boyfriend and shortly after went to a party with someone else. While we were standing by the road, my ex drove by and gave us a very pointed look. The new guy got mad and started chasing after his car. As if that wasn't embarrassing enough, he fell while running. I don't know what they were thinking back then—both the one stalking me and the one chasing the car.
Ex-partners also became the center of attention for the guy Natalia went on a date with.
For the first half of the date, he asked me about how many boyfriends I had, their ages, and what they did for a living. Then he moved on to talking about himself. He talked about his ex for an awfully long time. After a while, it started to get really awkward. I asked him if he still had feelings for her, and he broke down in tears. I felt so bad for him. I comforted him for an hour, and we never saw each other again. I went on a date with a guy, and we spent half an hour trying to decide where to go. I was suggesting nearby restaurants, and he said, 'There's a shop. Let's grab a beer and some chips.' No, thank you'
- Julia shared.
"It Started With One Date, and Now We're Married Several Years Later"
However, not everyone is put off by "budget" dates. Ola still fondly remembers such a date.
It started with one date, and now we're married several years later
- she said. What made her husband win her over for more dates?
I think we just clicked. I didn't need much. I remember an incredibly long walk where we couldn't stop talking. Then we had fries outside a government office surrounded by a billion mosquitoes. Now, I can't sleep if there's even one mosquito in the room, but back then, I managed
- she smiled.
It was similar for Patrycja:
I went on a date with a guy from college. I knew him a bit, so I had some idea of what to expect. Since we were broke students, we agreed to buy ourselves a kebab and split a four-pack, and we went to sit by the river steps.
I would probably swap the beer for juice or soda, but it was a successful date nonetheless. Especially one that leads to more enjoyable moments. How do you remember your dates? Let us know in the comments.
