On first dates, the author always texts her best friend details like the guy’s full name, license plate, phone number, and job. This habit stems from paranoia shaped by scary stories and movies about dangerous dates. Sharing this info is a safety net against risks like drugged drinks or worse. She even convinced her best friend to adopt this precaution. In big cities, dating new people carries risks, so taking protective measures is wise and sometimes necessary.

Though some embellishments in first impressions are common, serious lies can pose real danger. Some men lie about identity to hide relationships or children, while women may lie to keep options open. The author knows what it’s like to lie, having exaggerated her age to attract older men. She reflects on how lies can complicate dating, making trust hard to build. Genuine honesty ultimately wins, but initial deception remains a common challenge in romantic encounters.

The author recalls the wildest lies told to her, like a man claiming his ex-girlfriend was actually his cousin and roommate. Such absurd tales highlight how some people manipulate truth to avoid judgment or suspicion. Lies range from harmless to dangerous, crossing boundaries that undermine relationship foundations. Experience taught her to guard against these falsehoods. She recognizes that recognizing deception early saves time and heartache, reinforcing the importance of vigilance in dating.

Now the author embraces honesty, partly due to laziness and poor memory but mainly because maintaining lies is exhausting. She recognizes that being genuine builds healthier relationships and avoids the complications of covering contradictions. Truthfulness makes dating simpler and fosters stronger trust. Moving away from deception allows her to focus on authentic connections rather than maintaining façades meant to impress or manipulate.