I still remember our very first date as if it happened yesterday. The restaurant glowed with warm light, my nerves tangled with hope as I tried to make a good impression. Then, just as we sat down, she smiled at the waiter and asked a question that left me stunned: “What’s the most expensive thing on your menu?”
The waiter described an extravagant seafood platter that cost more than I usually spent on a month’s groceries. My heart sank as I wondered whether I had made a mistake. Trying to keep calm, I asked if she truly wanted it. To my surprise, she laughed and explained it was her “first-date test.” If someone ordered it just to impress, she would know they cared more about appearances than connection. If they grew upset, it showed they couldn’t handle pressure. But if they stayed steady, it meant they valued the moment.
What I first thought was a red flag turned into one of the most fascinating insights I had ever heard. The tension melted away as we ordered pasta instead, and conversation flowed effortlessly. We shared stories, dreams, and laughter until hours passed unnoticed. By the time I walked her to her car, I realized the evening had revealed something rare—a glimpse into her thoughtful character.
That single question, which once rattled me, became the spark for something lasting. Today, she is my wife, and we still laugh about how nervous I was that night. Her “test” taught me a lesson I’ll never forget: love isn’t about grand gestures or appearances, but about patience, honesty, and choosing to walk through life together.