BIG BOY STUFF LTD

By Jack Coleman

A few years ago, I was on a first date with a woman I met through friends. She was smart, funny, and attractive—seemed like a great match. We were at a nice restaurant, the conversation was flowing, and everything was going fine… until the check arrived.

Without thinking, I reached for it. That’s just how I was raised—a man pays on the first date.

That’s when she sighed, crossed her arms, and said, “Wow. You really think I can’t pay for myself?” 🤨

I laughed, thinking she was joking. She wasn’t.

“No, I just believe in being a gentleman,” I said.

Her reply? “That’s just internalized misogyny. I don’t need a man taking care of me.” 🙄

At that moment, I had two choices:

1️⃣ Apologize and let her split the check, proving I wasn’t some “toxic male” trying to control her.

2️⃣ Stick to my principles and not play this ridiculous game.

I chose option 2.

I put my card down and said, “You don’t need me to, but I want to. And I don’t apologize for being a man.” 💪

She rolled her eyes. The date ended shortly after, and we never spoke again.

But I’ll tell you this—I never regretted it. Because that was the day I realized something: modern society keeps trying to make men apologize for being men.

And I refuse. 🚫

✅ I hold doors open for people.

✅ I pay for dinner when I want to.

✅ I take pride in being strong, in providing, in leading.

And if that offends someone? That’s their problem, not mine. 👊

🔥 YOUR TURN: Have You Ever Experienced This?

Drop a 💬 in the comments—do you think a man should pay on the first date? Or is chivalry dead? 👇