Don't Women Like a Guy Who's Prepared?

Story Submitted by Loni:

On the afternoon of my first date with Henry, he arrived at our meeting spot in a park, lugging a large beige duffel bag. I gave him a hug in greeting and asked him, "On a trip?"

He nodded and put the bag down. "I hope so," he said.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

He said, "Well, if this goes well, then I'll be spending the night at your place. I want to be prepared."

I laughed and said, "Not on a first... or even a second date. You are just kidding, right?"

He said, "No. Sorry. It's 2008, isn't it?"

It was, and I asked, "What does that have to do with anything? 2008 or 3008, I'm not bringing you back to my place on a first date."

"But what if it goes well? You're just discounting that."

I said, "It might go great," an eventuality of which I was increasingly doubtful, "but I don't bring guys home on a first date."

"Why not? I mean, I packed this bag and everything."

"It doesn't matter! What if I showed up wearing a wedding gown? Would you be ready to marry me on a first date?"

He glanced at his bag. "Depends how it wet, I guess. I brought toys."

I laughed again, stepped away, and said, "I'm not sure if we should really go through with this. I think our expectations are just too different."

"But why? I don't understand. I'm not, like, expecting you to bring me home with you. This is just in case. I'm sure I'm not the first guy to show up prepared on a date with you."

I took another step away. "I just don't think that we're a good match. I'm sorry, Henry."

I turned to leave, and he called after me, "How many guys have you brought home after a first date?"

I spun and yelled back, "None!" which was (and still is) the truth. I was afraid that he'd follow me, but he didn't, and I didn't hear from him again, thank goodness.