Maya had never taken dating apps seriously.

She’d always joked that meeting strangers online felt awkward and unnatural. Still, on a quiet Friday night, curiosity nudged her past her skepticism. She agreed to meet Daniel, a man she’d been chatting with casually for a few days. He chose a small, warmly lit restaurant—comfortable, intimate, and perfect for a first meeting.

Feeling nervous, Maya coped the way she often did: she ordered freely. A couple of appetizers caught her eye, followed by a rich main dish, dessert, and a sparkling drink to steady her nerves. Daniel smiled and made conversation, though his eyes briefly flicked toward the growing spread on the table.

The evening itself was pleasant. They talked easily about work, hobbies, places they hoped to visit someday, and movies they loved. Maya found herself laughing more than expected, and Daniel listened attentively, responding with thoughtful comments. By the time dessert arrived, Maya felt confident the date was going well.