My friend Mia set me up on a blind date with her boyfriend’s friend, Eric. He seemed kind and attentive—thoughtful texts, polite manners, flowers at dinner, and easy conversation. He paid the bill, walked me to my car, and the night felt like a success.
The next morning, I received an email titled “Invoice for Last Night.” It wasn’t a joke. Eric itemized the cost of dinner, flowers, a small gift, and even “emotional labor,” ending with a warning that Mia’s boyfriend would hear about it if I didn’t repay him. I immediately told Mia, who was horrified. She and her boyfriend sent Eric a sarcastic “invoice” in return and cut him off.
Eric’s messages quickly turned angry and self-pitying, and I blocked him. What started as a charming date became a clear lesson: generosity used as leverage isn’t kindness. I didn’t owe him anything—but I gained a valuable reminder to trust red flags when they appear.
