logo
My date showered me with compliments - until I turned down his request

My date showered me with compliments - until I turned down his request

Metro7 days ago
Almost two years ago, a quirky guy stopped me from absent-mindedly scrolling one evening.
I had downloaded Hinge as part of my post-divorce foray into dating. I thought I'd find it daunting after being out of the scene for five years but I was enjoying my quest to find Mr Right.
George* wasn't my usual type but his humorous photos and prompts caught my eye. In one photo he was dressed as an astronaut; another showed him with his pet bird. He had a good job, was a couple of years older than me and seemed to have his life together.
We soon matched and and he suggested a first date later that week at a pub.
When I wandered into the arranged venue, I recognised him hunched over his table while rolling a cigarette. Oddly, on his profile he'd listed himself as a non-smoker, but I figured he was in the process of quitting or calming his nerves.
I found it sweet that he was early and had a pint waiting for me. My ex-husband had never been that chivalrous.
There was no initial awkwardness, and the conversation flowed, despite George admitting during our second round that he'd been nervous all day in anticipation.
He told me he'd been single for a good couple of years and was ready to settle down. Then he leaned forward to speak. 'I don't want to be presumptuous, but I hope we have a second date?
Love reading juicy stories like this? Need some tips for how to spice things up in the bedroom?
Sign up to The Hook-Up and we'll slide into your inbox every week with all the latest sex and dating stories from Metro. We can't wait for you to join us!
I was caught off-guard by his forwardness – he was interesting and funny, but I wasn't feeling romantic chemistry. Trying to be diplomatic, I told him it was too soon to tell.
That's when the compliments started. They were all centred on how I looked, which seemed shallow and disingenuous for a man in his mid 30s.
I looked better than my photos, he said, adding, 'You'd never guess how many women trick men with their profiles'.
He loved my hair; I was a nine out of 10. Throwing around these superficial compliments on a first date was too much too soon but I didn't feel comfortable telling him to cool it.
Then, George divulged that he'd been recently told that he would soon meet the love of his life – and she'd be wearing a red dress. I was wearing a red dress that night. No pressure.
I changed the subject.
Half an hour later, we were sitting side-by-side and George asked if he could kiss me. I thought, why not – it was refreshing being asked for consent compared with previous dates who had launched themselves at me, and it seemed a good way to establish once and for all if there was a spark.
It wasn't a good kiss. It confirmed there was no chemistry on my end and I mentally friend-zoned him, then avoided further physical contact by surreptitiously changing seats after buying the next round.
Soon after, George begged to stay the night at mine, but I politely declined. I just didn't fancy him.
So, How Did It Go? is a weekly Metro.co.uk series that will make you cringe with second-hand embarrassment or ooze with jealousy as people share their worst and best date stories.
Want to spill the beans about your own awkward encounter or love story? Contact jess.austin@metro.co.uk
After I rejected his sleepover request, everything changed.
George suddenly changed tack. 'You think you're so cool!' he huffed. I laughed, before he added: 'You're not that hot actually, I've changed my rating to 6/10.'
I shrugged nonchalantly. I didn't rise to his disparaging comments, which confused him. It had been a while since I'd been on the receiving end of hot and cold sentiments, and I wasn't impressed; it was weird and immature.
I think George was pulling a power move to save face. Maybe he had a fragile ego, maybe I triggered a weird memory… regardless, it's unacceptable for a grown man, and was the nail in the coffin of our mediocre date. I told him I better call it a night.
Again, George implored that he wanted to stay at mine and grabbed my arm. 'Please! I like you so much.'
'Sorry, I don't have sex on the first date,' I said. His face darkened and the next wave of insults hit: Now, he was ridiculing my star sign, telling me my Libra was a terrible match for his Cancer before narrowing his eyes and sneering, 'I can tell you're part ginger!'.
Despite starting to feel unsafe, I almost had to laugh at this last remark. I was a brunette, and I didn't know how having ginger hair could be something to be ashamed of!
Gathering my belongings, I made moves to leave, and George was adamant he'd take me home. When I refused, he threw out a final recycled comment – 'You think you're so cool!' – and I walked away, leaving him at the bus stop.
Walking through my front door, I was relieved the evening was over. But when I glanced at my phone, a barrage of WhatsApps and Hinge messages began popping up: 'I didn't mean what I said… please can I see you again? Pleeeaaseee? I'm sorry. I blame the booze.' More Trending
I didn't open them. I just blocked him. I was disappointed, especially given his age and claims of wanting to settle down – I've dated guys in their 20s with lightyears more decorum than George.
Thankfully, it was easy to move on and swipe again. But the more I've told this story to single friends of all ages around the world, I've learnt that they have all experienced similar dates.
Perhaps this behaviour stems from a desire to control the situation due to insecurity or emotional immaturity. But nobody wins by playing mind games.
*Name has been changed
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk.
Share your views in the comments below.
MORE: What to do when your partner betrays you — and everyone else knows about it
MORE: Think twice before you mock the Coldplay kiss-cam couple
MORE: My date said I had one drink to impress him – so I downed it
Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Beckham siblings narrowly avoid awkward run-in with Brooklyn during vacation
Beckham siblings narrowly avoid awkward run-in with Brooklyn during vacation

Metro

time7 hours ago

  • Metro

Beckham siblings narrowly avoid awkward run-in with Brooklyn during vacation

Romeo and Harper Beckham were seen narrowly avoiding a run-in with their brother Brooklyn during a family vacation. The two siblings were spotted by a harbour in the lavish Saint Tropez in France while on holiday, where Brooklyn had recently posted videos of himself cooking. However, as Romeo was pictured arriving in France, photographers reportedly saw that Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz had already departed for the United States, seemingly avoiding a meeting with each other. Just a few days prior, Brooklyn had also shared a nude photo of Nicola in the bath. This comes after it was revealed earlier this month that Brooklyn no longer followed his brothers Cruz and Romeo on social media, with the latter two having also unfollowed Brooklyn's wife Nicola Peltz Beckham. Brooklyn Beckham claimed that he was just 'as confused as everyone else' after discovering he no longer followed his brothers, according to sources. 'Brooklyn had no idea until he read about it online. It's possible Romeo and Cruz blocked them, which would make it appear as him no longer following the brothers,' the insider told The Sun. 'He and Nicola certainly didn't unfollow them or block them – they're as confused as anyone else. The first they heard about it was when it was being reported on,' they added. On July 16, Romeo shared pictures with his siblings Cruz, 20, and Harper, 14, without eldest Beckham sprog Brooklyn, 26, anywhere to be seen. Harper, whose recent birthday sparked an unexpected public show of affection from Brooklyn, hugged Romeo on the streets, the pair looking as close as ever in the new snaps. Cruz also posed with them for a group photo, which included his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, in a show of affection. However, Brooklyn seemingly played down any rumours of a feud as he paid tribute to youngest sibling Harper on her 14th birthday. Taking to Instagram he shared a snap with the birthday girl – and his partner – on his story, alongside the message: 'Happy birthday Harper we love u x.' He tagged Nicola, who then reposted the photo on her own profile. Rumours of a rift in the family began when Brooklyn and Nicola married in 2022, with reports of tension between her and Victoria Beckham, 51. This, however, was played down when both were spotted at public events on a united front. However, eyebrows were raised once more when Brooklyn and Nicola failed to make an appearance at David's 50th birthday bash. This was on top of Brooklyn not sending his dad a birthday message on social media, which he had done in previous years. Further fuel was added to the fire when just a short time after this snub, Brooklyn wished Nicola's dad a happy birthday on Instagram. The reason behind the rumored rift is currently unclear, but it has been claimed that Victoria is 'desperate' for things to be patched up between her once-close family. 'Victoria hates to think about her family being so divided, especially with it involving one of her children,' an insider told Metro. More Trending 'Brooklyn's absence at David's 50th birthday party was noticeable, and she desperately wished he would have been there. 'They've always been a close-knit family, and seeing how things are now has been devastating for Victoria and David.' The source also added: 'Brooklyn hasn't felt the same about his family for months,. 'When big family milestones approach, he often feels quite isolated over in Los Angeles, but he's keen to show that he loves his family deeply.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: David Beckham shares bold new look after Victoria mocks 'terrible' haircut MORE: David and Romeo Beckham look troubled as family rift reaches new level MORE: Nicola Peltz wears replica of David Beckham's football kit in bizarre rift update

Adolescence star Ashley Walters was 'banned from US due to criminal record'
Adolescence star Ashley Walters was 'banned from US due to criminal record'

Metro

time10 hours ago

  • Metro

Adolescence star Ashley Walters was 'banned from US due to criminal record'

From Top Boy to Bulletproof and Adolescence, it's fair to say that Ashley Walters is one of the shining talents in British acting today. Through sheer determination, the 43-year-old, who was born in south London, has forged a lucrative pathway for himself in the industry. Following the breakout success of Philip Barantini's Emmy-nominated Adolescence on Netflix, which starred Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper, Walters is currently working on an M. Night Shyamalan supernatural thriller called Remain alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. This came after Steven Spielberg's office called him asking him to consider a role in his latest film. However, many fans might not realise that this is Ashley's first ever major role in a US movie. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Speaking to Variety, the actor shed light on his long journey to success and how he was 'basically banned' from America for two decades due to his criminal record. 'Five years ago there was absolutely no chance that I was going to be in this position,' Ashley told the publication. 'I was basically banned from the country. There were visa issues. I had a criminal record.' In 2002, Walters – who was just 19 – was sentenced to 18 months in a young offenders institution for possession of an illegal firearm. Despite having already appeared on a number of TV roles, including BBC's Grange Hill, after his first acting role at the age of 10 in The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, Walters was known for being in the hip hop group the So Solid Crew. In the end, he only ended up serving seven months of his sentence after promising to focus on acting. He said: 'After a few years of not being able to get a visa, I said to myself, 'Well, it's not going to happen for me, I've got to make do with what I've got and fulfil my career and my destiny here in the U.K.' So I kind of stopped worrying about it.' Taking that advice, he began to build his acting profile, winning best newcomer at the British Independent Film Award for his lead performance in Saul Dibb's Bullet Boy in 2004. Other roles included Speed Racer and 50 Cent's Get Rich or Die Tryin, which was filmed in Ireland. His career then truly began to take off after the 2011 gangland drama series Top Boy, which was pulled from Channel 4 in 2014, but flourished again on Netflix five years later. View More » Now, with numerous opportunities presenting themselves to him in the States, Ashley concluded by saying: 'It's another reason why I cherish this moment so much. I want to do everything I can before someone takes away that visa on my passport.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: TV fans convinced heart-racing Netflix thriller shows 'Suranne Jones at her best' MORE: Top Boy actor Micheal Ward charged with rape and sexual assault MORE: WWE star demonstrates how broken finger 'still won't bend from knuckle to tip'

Exit story confirmed for Coronation Street character months after debut
Exit story confirmed for Coronation Street character months after debut

Metro

time10 hours ago

  • Metro

Exit story confirmed for Coronation Street character months after debut

The romance between Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) and Theo Silverton (James Cartwright) in Coronation Street hasn't been an easy one, considering that Theo has had a lot to overcome in order to come to terms with his sexuality and the fact that he's found love with a man. We've learned that Theo was brought up in an environment where being gay was perceived as sinful and, as a result, Theo has spent most of his life in denial about being gay. He married a woman called Danielle (Natalie Anderson) and went on to have two children who are now teenagers, all the while trying to suppress his true sexuality. Meeting Todd meant he finally began to understand what he wanted from life and what he needed to do to achieve that, which meant a painful break-up of his marriage and navigating his children's feelings about it. Theo had a major setback when a character called Noah (Richard Winsor) appeared in the Street. At a younger age, Theo was put through so-called conversion therapy to try to stop him being gay, and Noah was part of that. Seeing him again terrified Theo and gave him panic attacks. After Noah recently invited Theo to a meeting to 'save his soul,' Todd went along and ended up getting into a fight with Noah and physically lashing out at him. Following this, Todd is instructed to attend a restorative justice session with Noah. He grits his teeth and goes along. It's a horrible experience as Noah is cruel and manipulative and exploits the chance to goad Todd as much as possible. As soon as the session is over, Todd leaves, in a hurry to get away. Because of this he forgets his coat and when he goes back to get it he overhears Noah talking on the phone to Theo's wife Danielle – who is obviously now Noah's girlfriend. Todd drops this bombshell when Danielle later brings Miles and Millie to the bistro to see Theo. All hell breaks loose, with Miles incensed by Todd's meddling and trying to punch him. Theo gets in the way of this and accidentally ends up hitting Miles himself, and he's mortified to see his son sprawling on the ground, hurt. More Trending When Billy (Daniel Brocklebank) calls round the following day he's surprised to see that Todd has slept on the sofa. Todd explains that now that Noah and Danielle are a couple, Theo isn't allowed to see his kids – and Theo hasn't taken it well. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! Billy suggests that Todd should try speaking to Danielle about it and he meets up with her, aiming to convince her that Theo is a good dad who deserves to see his children. This backfires, though, when Theo becomes furious to discover that Todd has been taking Billy's advice about how to solve Theo's problems. View More » With all of this pressure on Theo, mostly orchestrated by Noah but with the added stress of Billy and Todd trying to organise his life, Theo is at the end of his tether. Could he decide to quite Weatherfield for good as it all becomes too much? MORE: Todd horrified in Coronation Street as he discovers who sinister Noah's girlfriend is MORE: All 31 Coronation Street pictures for next week as major characters search for answers MORE: Sinister Noah makes dark promise after fight triggers fresh hell in Coronation Street

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store