I searched online for dating disaster tales to use as writing prompts. I hoped the stories would spark ideas for humorous scenes. The postings illustrated the cluelessness and social ineptitude of some people. Other characters were self-absorbed players with no moral compass or conscience. Their dates were lucky they ran fast—they dodged a bullet. The dating scene is a battlefield embedded with minefields and littered with broken hearts. It’s not easy to navigate.
Several posts involved embarrassing digestive debacles. One gentleman said that he didn’t realize that he was lactose intolerant until the middle of a date. After consuming ice cream, his stomach got queasy. They were traveling aboard a commuter train, so he hopped off at the next stop and raced down the train station. She looked on in horror, no idea why he was speeding away. He finally reached the restroom, but not quite in the nick of time. His date texted him inquiring why he’d bolted. She didn’t believe his explanation. He threw his underwear in the garbage and sojourned home solo, commando style.
Other posts discussed unfortunate injuries incurred during the date. One woman said that her date took her hands across the table and looked into her eyes to impart some romantic words just as the meal was served, accidentally pressing her forearms into the hot dish…causing blistered burns on both wrists. Another woman wore 3-inch high wedges and fell off while navigating a cobblestone street. Her romantic date ended in the emergency room.
Another common theme involved mistaken identity. One story was posted by the waiter who watched the scene unfold from the sidelines. Two guys sat by themselves in different booths. A girl arrived and walked up to the first booth, said hello, and sat down. They chatted awhile until the other guy approached, introduced himself, and asked if she was “so-and-so,” his blind date. Shortly thereafter, she arose and switched booths. Eventually, a different girl showed up for a date with the guy at the first booth. An unintended game of musical chairs!
