Arby's Guy

One of my first dates after the big breakup was with a guy I knew from middle / high school. We had been talking on Facebook (oh, Facebook, how I loathe you for reuniting me with people who fail), and we decided to meet up when he came into town. I went to his house, and we had a great time just talking about our lives since high school. Then we decided to go get dinner, and that's when things when oh so wrong.

We got in the car and were deciding where to go when he said he felt like Arby's. I have nothing against Arby's! That's one of my favorite fast food places. But on a date? Really? A first date? Fail, Arby's Guy. Fail. I'm not even high-maintenance. Chipotle would have been awesome, and it's pretty much the same price. But I'm sorry, there's just something wrong with taking someone to a fast-food restaurant on the first date.

What was I supposed to say back? I said it was fine. We went to Arby's. And how was it? It was about like a fast-food date should be.

Later on, my friend and I met up with him at a bar. He was very drunk and insane. For example, we were giving him a ride home, and he tugged on my shirt sleeve (like a three-year-old) until I turned around, where he proceeded to try to mouth something to me. Needless to say, that was the end of my brief time with Arby's Guy.

In a crazy turn of events, we ran into Arby's Guy at a bar a few weeks later. I saw him at a table (but pretended I didn't see him), and instead of coming to say hi to me, he called me. From two yards away. I didn't answer. He did end up coming over to see me, but it was so incredibly awkward that he (finally!) got the hint and left.

The good thing that came out of this date: My friends and I now say "At least he didn't take me (or you) to Arby's!" whenever we go on a date. It's become a standard, really. And it always helps us find the silver lining on most bad dates.