How Cheap is Too Cheap? A Singaporean Woman’s Dating Disaster Goes Viral
A recent post on r/SingaporeRaw by ViolinistOutrageous7 has caught the attention of many Singaporeans, sparking discussions about dating etiquette, stinginess, and red flags. The OP (original poster) shared her bizarre dating experience with a man who demanded repayment for a teh peng (iced milk tea)—despite her already covering their shared mala meal.
The Incident: Teh Peng, The Dealbreaker
Everything started off normally when OP met her date, a man in his early 30s, for a casual meal. She generously paid for the mala they shared, assuming it was no big deal. However, things took a turn when the guy returned with drinks and later insisted that she pay him back for the teh peng.
"A grown ass man can’t afford teh peng???" - ViolinistOutrageous7
When she suggested he simply deduct the drink’s cost from the mala bill he hadn’t reimbursed her for, the guy flipped out, calling her calculative. OP then ended the conversation and refused to meet him again.
Reddit Reacts: Cheap or Just Petty?
The comments section blew up, with many users finding humor in the situation, while others criticized the man’s behavior.
1. Dodging a Bullet 🚩
Many believed that OP saved herself from a bigger disaster by spotting his stingy nature early on.
"Lost the money for the mala, but saved a lot of future headaches... Don't give up, the search for the right partner is half the fun anyways." - Ashamed-Bet-3089
"$2.80 + $15 + change = $20 to know a cheapskate is a cheap lesson." - aktivate74
2. The Audacity 🤯
Others couldn’t understand how the guy thought it was okay to demand reimbursement for a drink, especially when OP already covered the meal.
"You paid for the mala already. He not paiseh never go Dutch on the food still got face to ask you to pay back for the drinks. Wah I really cannot believe people like this exist." - goodaimclub
"You met a dusty. There’s so many dusties out there, be careful my fellow girlies." - CatLady14344
3. Future Dating Columnist? ✍️
OP’s storytelling skills earned her some unexpected career advice.
"Your life anecdotes and storytelling are remarkable. You should replace Sumiko Tan’s column." - Giantstoneball
"Oh yes OP, go one date a week and do a write-up for us." - doesitnotmakesense
4. Are Singaporean Men Like This? 🤔
Some users debated whether stingy dating behavior was common in Singapore.
"Now you know why he is still single hahaha." - SGVape_Joan
"He’s one of those types that if you even owe him $1, he can’t get it off his head and needs you to pay it back to make him feel more complete. Very low class and very small PP energy." - PexySancakes
"Dating culture here is why TFR (total fertility rate) is low and people are struggling to date..." - GreenBeany75
Final Thoughts: A Red Flag in Disguise?
While debates continue on who should pay on dates, most Redditors agreed that this guy’s behavior was a huge red flag. Being financially mindful is one thing, but demanding repayment for a drink after having your meal paid for? That’s next-level cheap.
Would this be a dealbreaker for you, or do you think OP was overreacting?
