I remember the first time I heard those words.
It was a Tuesday night, and my date and I had already finished dinner at a nearby Italian restaurant. We decided to stop for coffee, choosing to grab a seat at the local cafe that I often frequented.
As the barista handed me my latte, I heard my date make a comment about how I must be poor since I came here so often.
I was taken aback. Here I was, a successful businessman working in the finance industry, earning a little over $20,000 a month. I had no reason to be poor. However, my date didn’t know that, and apparently assumed that because I often visited the same coffee shop, I must lack the means to afford better.
I could understand where my date was coming from. I didn’t typically brag about my income, and I was careful not to spend too much money. I liked to keep a low profile, and I knew that if I was too ostentatious, it could make me a target for people who wanted to take advantage of me. I had seen it happen to other people in my industry, and I wanted to avoid it.
At the same time, I wanted my date to understand that I was well off. I wasn’t someone who was struggling to make ends meet. I had worked hard to get to where I was and I deserved to be respected for it.
After my date’s comment, I decided to take a moment to explain the situation to them. I told them that I had a good job, and that I liked to come to this coffee shop because it was convenient and had great coffee. I also let them know that I had the means to afford more expensive coffee, but that I chose not to because I had no need to show off my wealth.
My date seemed to understand, and apologized for making assumptions. I appreciated that they were willing to listen and accept what I had to say.
Since that night, I realise that there are so many garbage women out there. They really bring nothing to a relationship.