First dates are supposed to be the beginning of something magical, but sometimes, they turn into stories you can’t help but share—because they’re just that bad. These five tales of first date disasters are so memorable, you’ll be grateful for your own dating mishaps. Get ready to laugh, cringe, and maybe even feel a little better about your own dating experiences.

Imagine showing up for a first date and finding your date’s mom sitting at the table. That’s exactly what happened to Lisa. Her date, John, thought it would be a great idea to bring his mom along for their dinner date.

Throughout the meal, John’s mom kept asking Lisa personal questions, from her job to her thoughts on children. Lisa felt like she was in an interrogation room rather than on a romantic date. Needless to say, there was no second date.

Samantha was excited about her date with Chris, who seemed perfect—until they sat down at a steakhouse, and he revealed he was a strict vegan. Chris hadn’t mentioned his dietary preferences beforehand, leaving Samantha feeling awkward about her meal choice.

As Samantha enjoyed her steak, Chris looked increasingly uncomfortable. He ended up ordering a side salad, and the conversation became strained as they navigated the topic of diet and lifestyle. The date ended on a sour note, with both agreeing they weren’t a match.

Rebecca’s date started off well until the check arrived. Her date, Matt, suddenly realized he’d forgotten his wallet. Rebecca was left to cover the entire bill, which wasn’t cheap, and felt frustrated by Matt’s lack of preparation.

Despite Matt’s repeated apologies and offers to pay her back, Rebecca couldn’t shake the feeling of being taken advantage of. She decided that being prepared was a non-negotiable trait for her future dates.

Mike seemed charming at first, but as soon as they sat down, he started talking—and didn’t stop. Emma couldn’t get a word in edgewise as Mike droned on about his job, his hobbies, and his ex-girlfriends.

Emma’s polite nods and smiles turned into desperate looks at the clock. By the end of the date, she felt more like a therapist than a potential partner. She left the date with a firm decision to avoid anyone who couldn’t hold a two-way conversation.

Kevin’s date with Jenny took a turn for the worse when she started ordering drink after drink. Kevin tried to keep up initially, but it soon became clear that Jenny was on a mission to get drunk.

As Jenny became more intoxicated, her behavior became erratic and loud, drawing stares from other diners. Kevin ended the date early, helping Jenny into a cab and making a mental note to set limits on alcohol for future dates.

First dates can be a mixed bag, filled with potential for both romance and disaster. These unforgettable tales of the worst first dates ever serve as a reminder that sometimes, things don’t go as planned. The key is to laugh it off, learn from the experience, and move on to the next adventure in your dating journey. So, the next time you have a less-than-perfect date, just remember—it could always be worse!

Whether you’re navigating the dating scene or simply enjoying these cringe-worthy stories, there’s always humor to be found in the mishaps. Dating is an adventure, and sometimes, the worst experiences make the best stories.