I went on a first date with Mark, a guy who seemed cool at first, but quickly showed his true colors as a controlling fitness fanatic. During dinner, he casually told me that dessert was “empty calories” and shut the menu before I could even look at it. I was stunned.

But then, I got an idea. When the server brought the dessert menu, I turned to him and said, “Dessert is a privilege.” I then ordered desserts for the table behind us—two older women who were clearly having a great night. I joined them, leaving Mark to eat his lonely fish.