What Will you do If a Date Ditches you and Leaves you to Pick the tabs on a First Date?

Part of the fun of being single no doubt is the freedom to accept (or reject) as many dates as you can stomach. With advances in technology, social media and dating apps, it is incredibly easier, more than ever, to meet new people – just a swipe and lo and behold, there’s a love interest! Very convenient but… Pause. Take a breath and reason – that beautifully written profile showcasing an attractive face may just be a façade, as it proved in the case of Paul Gonzales, who several times took his victims (dates) to dinner only to abandon them to pay the bills. Mind you, there’s nothing wrong with a lady having to pay for a meal when out on a date, the disgusting thing here is the underhand way Gonzales goes about it! He reportedly meets women on dating apps, invites them to expensive dinners, and disappears just before the bill is brought.

According to an article by CBS Los Angeles, multiple women have fallen victim to Gonzales antics, in fact, he is also known to have ditched two different salons without paying for his haircut. Police says that two bench warrants are out for his arrest for petty theft and driving without a licence. Moreover, records reveal that he has been jailed several times for misdemeanour arrests.

Worryingly, this kind of internet dating experience is not uncommon as a quick search in google will reveal. However, it is not always tales of woes as some people have found love and lasting relationships through the web. The thing is to be savvy and to go into it with a clear head. Taking a moment to research about your potential date may well save you lots of unwarranted headache and precious time. Carry out a simple google search of the person you are considering to meet including checking out their LinkedIn profiles if they have one. Check out their  Facebook and Twitter timelines, they will give you insight into the kind of person that they are. Look for inconsistencies in their stories and ask them questions where you need clarifications. Always meet in a public place, preferably during the day and make sure that a trusted person is aware of your meeting. Above all, trust your instincts, they’re rarely wrong! And for all practical purposes stick to a simple coffee date or a pay before service meal to avoid a Gonzales-type incident.

Don’t forget, though, to have fun along the way and hopefully one of the frogs you kiss would turn out to be your prince (or princess)! Happy dating.