In a rather unbelievable dating tale from Singapore, a woman was left shocked when her date requested reimbursement for her iced milk tea. The peculiar incident unfolded after the pair met up for a meal at a food court, where they bonded over their mutual love for mala.

The woman shared her experience on the r/SingaporeRaw subreddit, informing fellow netizens about the jaw-dropping twist at the end of their outing. After a pleasant meal she had paid for, her date offered to buy drinks and she asked him to grab a teh peng (iced milk tea) during his trip.

Things seemed to progress positively until the check arrived, at which point he unexpectedly expressed a desire to meet again—but also promptly asked her to pay him back for the teh peng. Taken aback, she couldn’t help but wonder if this was an indication of how little he thought of her—was her worth truly equated to just a drink?

Although she hadn't initially considered splitting the meal costs, she felt compelled to make a point about his pettiness. She suggested he subtract the cost of the teh peng from the mala bill, leading to an explosive reaction from the man who accused her of being calculative. Not wanting to engage further, she decided to cut ties and told him not to contact her again.

Her post became an instant hit, with over 600 upvotes and a torrent of comments. Many readers slammed the man for his cheapness, expressing astonishment that he would ask for repayment for such a minor expense. Some offered lighthearted advice, with one user playfully suggesting she treat herself to a lavish meal as a reward for escaping a potential financial burden.

However, a handful of commenters speculated that the man’s behavior could stem from deeper financial issues, especially given the economic pressures faced by many in their 30s today. While some defended him, stating he might be struggling to make ends meet, the overwhelming majority saw his actions as a red flag in the dating world.

The thread not only highlighted the complexities of modern dating etiquette but also sparked discussions on gender dynamics in financial matters, leaving many to ponder the underlying assumptions we hold about worth and relationships.

In a parallel discussion on social media, another woman recounted her discomfort after receiving unwanted gifts from a male colleague, sparking conversations about boundaries and workplace interactions. This aligns with a broader societal conversation about respect, communication, and the ever-changing landscape of dating and relationships.

As more stories emerge, it raises the question: What are the financial implications of modern relationships, and how do they shape our perceptions of worth in a partner?