My Most Disastrous Dating Experience

My friend added me to a WhatsApp group dedicated to football discussions, which I joined as a sports enthusiast. Some members shared betting odds, claiming to win from them, but I wasn't interested in betting; I just wanted to chat about soccer, poke fun at losing teams, and make new friends. For over two weeks after joining, I stayed silent, observing the dynamics of the group and identifying the influential members whose opinions were highly regarded. Eventually, I noticed a member named “Chelsea Reigns,” who was always active in the chat. I assumed she was a guy until one Sunday when everyone was asked to share their photos.

When she posted hers, I was surprised to discover she was a woman. It was clear she knew her football well, contributing to every topic and making the group lively. However, one day she made a silly comment, and the group turned on her, leading to her removal. I learned from others that she sought forgiveness and a chance to return. I reached out to my friend, saying, “Please bring her back. The group needs her energy.”

A few days later, she was reinstated, and after apologizing, everyone welcomed her back. However, she remained quiet for a while, so I decided to message her privately: “Dear, I miss your contributions. What’s going on?” She replied, “Who is this?” I introduced myself as a secret admirer from the soccer page. She responded, “How come I don’t know you?” I explained that I had been a silent observer but appreciated her contributions. She sent a laughing emoji and joked about whether I was sent by the admins. I assured her I just wanted to hear more from her in the group.

We gradually built a rapport, chatting occasionally. I asked her name, and she told me to call her Reigns. We discussed football, and she inquired about my stance on betting. I told her I wasn’t a fan, to which she remarked, “You’re different. You sound more decent than the other guys I’ve talked to.” I took that as a compliment. 

One day, our conversation shifted to our personal lives. I noticed how knowledgeable she was; she seemed familiar with every interesting place I mentioned, having visited them with friends. Her bubbly personality drew me in, and I found myself falling for her. Eventually, I proposed, but she replied, “You don’t even know me.” I countered, “The little I’ve seen is enough for me to like you.” She suggested we meet first, and I agreed, asking when and where. She said she was always available and would meet me wherever I chose.

As my schedule got busier, our plans fell through multiple times, but we kept in touch through video calls, often staying up late talking. My feelings for her deepened with each conversation. One Sunday, I finally had free time and asked her where she wanted to go. She suggested a place near her area, assuring me I would love it.

When we met that Sunday, she looked stunning. I complimented her, and she playfully told me to stop flattering her. From the moment we got into the Uber, she was chatty. When the driver mentioned the AC wasn’t working, she snapped, “You’re all the same. Your ACs never work. If I were paying, I’d deduct the cost of the AC from the fare.” The driver seemed embarrassed, and I tried to signal her to tone it down, but she insisted on voicing her frustrations.

That was my first red flag; she was talking too much, and I didn’t appreciate it. Things only got worse when we arrived at the restaurant. A staff member informed us we needed to order at the counter, and Reigns loudly protested, demanding a menu. When the staff member insisted on the policy, she argued, “You’re lying. Last time I was here, they brought us a menu. Don’t be lazy!” I exchanged glances with the staff, who seemed amused, and I followed her to the counter as she took her time deciding.

Minutes later, a server brought us warm towels, and Reigns questioned, “Is that what we ordered? It looks like a towel!” I chuckled and confirmed it was indeed a towel. She continued to make comments about everything and everyone around us, including the staff and other customers. When she noticed I wasn’t engaging, she asked, “Am I talking too much? That’s just how I am. When I see food, I talk a lot.” Even her whispers were loud enough for the next table to hear. I couldn’t wait for the evening to end.

After that date, I felt disheartened and didn’t want to see her again. Once home, I was relieved she hadn’t accepted my proposal. I sent her a message thanking her for the date, but she had been calling me since that night. A few days later, she asked me to repeat what I had said about my proposal so she could respond. I pretended not to remember, and despite her efforts to jog my memory, I played dumb. I realized I didn’t want to pursue this relationship anymore, but I needed to figure out how to withdraw my proposal without hurting her feelings.

–Ali

Do you have any relationship experiences to share? Email it to editors@etechx.co.ke

NOTE: NO PART OF THIS CONTENT CAN BE REPUBLISHED OR REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT THE EXPLICIT CONSENT OF THE EDITORS OF THIS BLOG.