Dear Aliza,
I’m going on a first date with this guy and he suggested we go to Starbucks near his apartment. I just want to confirm that this date idea is reasonable grounds for breaking it off with the guy. Am I being too picky? Please advise.
Sincerely,
Tall Order
Dear Tall Order,
Asking somebody to go to Starbucks on a first date is basically asking someone to meet them at McDonalds and it is highly unacceptable. Honestly, if the guy had problems googling an acceptable coffee shop in his neighborhood, it could be a harbinger for what is to come for this relationship. Does this guy really think you would use your metrocard and make a trip out of your way to go to a Starbucks in a different location, when you could have just as easily gone to the one in your neighborhood? Doesn’t he know that people only suggest taking other people to Starbucks when they are ashamed to be seen in public with that person? What are you going to do, order Frappuccinos? Will he be paying for the date using his Starbucks Gold membership card? In all honesty, this scenario is a goddamned nightmare. As I see it, you have two options:
- Text him back saying, “I refuse to go to Starbucks on a date. Don’t contact me until conditions improve.”
- Show up at his local Starbucks and mention how “exotic” the location is and how you’ve never been to a Starbucks before. Wait at the table and ask the Barista to see a menu.
With any luck, next time he’ll suggest The Olive Garden.
I rest my case.
-Aliza
