The Dating Game
an alternate dialogue poem about the harsh realities of dating
italics - men's perspective
bold - women's perspective
I hope she looks like she does in her profile pic.
I hope he's actually nice and treats me with respect.
I hope she doesn't expect me to pay for her meal.
I need to pay for my own meal or he'll expect sex.
/
What if she's overweight or has a butterface?
What if he doesn't like big girls and body shames?
What if she expects me to be over 6 ft?
What if he expects me to fuck on the first date?
/
No, it isn't fair...
But this is reality.
A product of beauty standards,
And toxic masculinity.
He's scared of being judged,
She's scared of being killed...
The dating game is rigged,
And there's mines on the field.
/
I hope that she'll come home with me.
I need to drive in a separate car if I need to leave.
If I keep buying her drinks, maybe she'll loosen up..
I need to stay sober and guard my drink.
/
Feminists have ruined dating for men.
Men blame women for problems they invent.
Rape wouldn't be a problem if women just let us fuck.
I'd rather stay single than be forced to submit.
/
No, it isn't fair...
But this is reality.
A product of beauty standards,
And toxic masculinity.
He's scared of being judged,
She's scared of being killed...
The dating game is rigged,
And there's mines on the field.
/
Hey, let's go back to my place.
No, I'm tired, let's call it a day.
You're not even gonna give me a chance?
I gave you a chance, you tried to take advantage.
Can I least have your actual number?
No, I'm not interested in taking this any further.
I'm not taking no for answer...
Please just leave me alone.
Give your fucking number, whore!
Fine, I'll put it in your phone.
Hold up, let me call you to make sure it yours.
Hello, 911, I'm being chased by a man!
Come back here, bitch, I'm not done with you!
No, please, stop, please don't do what you're about to do...
Shut the fuck up or you're gonna end up on the evening news.
/
The dating game is rigged...
And there's mines on the field.
They'll find her in a ditch,
Brutalized and killed.
The rape kit will be buried,
No criminal will be tried.
And like 97% of rapists,
He won't serve any time.
About the Creator
CT Idlehouse
I write stories and articles. Sometimes they're good.
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Comments (7)
Really appreciate this.
Your work is always such a gut punch.
Thank you for this what an absolute outstanding piece, heartbreaking but so real and so much truth with this. The way you done this you smashed it. You can really feel this piece 💜💜💜 a well deserve top story for March 💜💜
Such a wonderful dialogue in poetic form. You've really nailed the inside voices of current thought.
I can relate to this so much. You captured the feelings well. My own date-anxiety surfaced up again, after so many years... and some men wonder why women choose the bear.
I feel like every single bit of progress on this has been eradicated, that we’ve gone backwards fifty years, possibly a hundred. Roe v. Wade was never about babies, always about women’s rights to control our bodies instead of allowing men to dictate our fate. It sickens me.
This made me feel really anxious while reading it. Even as a man. The pacing and alternative/ contradictory dialogue made the thing feel like a horror story, which it certainly is. Well done.