I’ll never forget sitting across from her on our very first date.
The restaurant had a quiet elegance – the kind of place where the lighting glowed warmly and every detail seemed deliberate. My stomach was tight with nerves, but my heart carried a spark of hope. Then she glanced at the waiter, smiled, and asked, “What’s the priciest item on your menu?” I froze.
I was ready to pay for dinner, but I hadn’t imagined facing a question that sounded like a trap. The waiter paused, then described an extravagant seafood platter that cost more than my month’s groceries, and I sat there wondering if I’d just made a serious mistake.
Trying to steady myself, I gently asked if that was really what she wanted. To my surprise, she laughed and shook her head. “No,” she said, “that’s my first-date test.” Puzzled but curious, I listened. “If someone orders it to look impressive, I know appearances mean more to them than connection. If they get upset, it shows they don’t handle stress well.
But if they stay calm, I know they value the moment more than the menu.” Her explanation floored me. What had seemed like a red flag instantly became the most intriguing thing I’d ever heard.
From then on, the evening shifted completely.
We chose simple pasta and let the conversation unfold naturally. Hours disappeared as we shared stories about our families, our dreams, and the futures we imagined.
What began as one of the tensest dates of my life turned into one of the most meaningful. By the time I walked her to her car, the nerves were gone, replaced by an undeniable sense of connection. That one odd question had revealed something rare and genuine in her character.
Today, she’s my wife, and that first date remains one of our favorite memories. We laugh about how rattled I was, but we also cherish the lesson behind it: true value isn’t found in expensive meals, houses, or gifts—it’s in the bond two people build together. Even now, whenever we go out, she’ll playfully ask the same question to the waiter, and every time, I’m reminded of the night I realized love isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about honesty, patience, and choosing to face the world hand in hand.
