~ The No-Dough Bagel ~
I connected with No-Dough Bagel a few weeks ago and after several back and forth messages, we decided to meet up for lunch one weekend. We picked a place, but when we arrived, the line was too long and we were too hungry. So, we opted for a faster option that happened to be cash only. Assuming that No-Dough Bagel was literate enough to read the 10 CASH ONLY signs posted around the restaurant, I didn’t bother warning him. Also, I didn’t want to bring up anything regarding paying for the meal because I didn’t want him to think that I expected him to pay.
Raised to be incredibly independent, I don’t normally like it when dates pay for me; in fact, I always offer and sometimes insist. Contrary to many men and women telling me that it’s typical for the man to pay for the date, I just can’t let it slide. Regardless, when the check came, No-Dough Bagel reached for his wallet, took out a credit card, and firmly placed it on the bill, insisting that he get the lunch.
Sadly, I had to inform him that it was cash only and continued to reach for my own wallet. To my expected dismay, a look of fear came over No-Dough Bagel’s face as he informed me that he literally had no cash (this was further proven when he showed me his billfold with no bills). I nonchalantly said that it wasn’t a problem, that I could get it, and that I didn’t want to make it a big deal. He obviously felt embarrassed, but kept talking about it and wouldn’t let it go, which made me feel even more awkward for having to pay for him. However, let it be known that he did not even offer to run to an ATM (conveniently located inside this cash-only restaurant). Weird? Sure. Did I just want to get out of there at that point? Yes.
He walked me back to my car, talking about how awkward it was, and when we departed, we said the typical, “We should do this again!” and it was even followed up by subsequent texts about how he will get the next meal since I got this one. I kindly agreed and kept reassuring him that it wasn’t an issue. After I sat down in my car, I texted my friend, “That awkward moment when you pay for your bagel date because he has no cash…” and strangely enough, received a text that said, “OMG THAT HAPPENED TO ME TOO!”
And this brings me to the point of this post. I’ve now heard a few stories from different friends about similar situations and all I can say is that I am shocked at how often this happens! Isn’t it just common sense to always have at least $20 in cash on you just in case of emergencies? I know we live in a virtually cashless society, but I always have some rainy day cash in my wallet and let me tell you – it is definitely enough to cover my half of a meal if need be. I’m not saying carry enough to pay for an entire date, but everyone should be able to produce some cash – especially when they are going out to a meal. Moral of this story is that the Boy Scouts knew what was up – always be prepared – and they’re probably going to be the bagels that wind up with girlfriends.
~ Read more of my Bagel Stories here!

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