Ladies, Beware of the 'Cheap Date' Test

Ever been given the "Chipotle Test"? One guy reveals his method of testing women

Dear ”In My Skin” readers,

For the next couple of weeks, I’ll need to take a break from writing on this blog. Recently, I have found myself tied down with the stress of New York City apartment-searching. Unfortunately, for me, I have had more bad luck than good, which is why I need to step away for a moment to get my living situation straight. Of course, when I return I will have much to talk about! As Carrie Bradshaw said once in an episode of 'Sex and the City', “In New York, everyone is always looking for a job, a relationship, and an apartment.” This is so true! In the meantime, my homegirl Semmi, who has been inspiration for many of the posts I’ve written, will be taking over. Semmi currently freelances in New York City (you may have read some of her work here on Loop21). She’s a great writer and conversationalist, and trust, she has many stories to tell about her journey through womanhood—especially when it comes to dating.

So, please show some love for my girl Semmi in my absence. I’ll be back soon. Probably with an “I’m having a mid-20 life crisis” part 2!

Now, words from Semmi W.

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The next time a fine man asks you out for coffee or decides to “surprise” you with a dinner date, be afraid. Be very afraid. Seriously, take your number #2 pencil out (remember those? I love vintage), and be prepared to take the “Chipotle Test.”

I first became aware of the Chipotle Test after meeting a very handsome gentleman in a land known as Harlem World. He was Ivy League, funny, in law school, and taller than me in heels…check, check and check. If I weren’t so heartbroken over another guy (and cue the Melanie Fiona album), I certainly would have taken him more seriously. 

As we sipped cocktails at the birthday party, Mr. Hubby Material explained that every woman he’s been serious with has endured a “test date” where he organizes a surprise dinner to…Chipotle. And if it’s not Chipotle, it must be a restaurant (if you even want to call it that) within the same price range. This man - who has a finance background and the earning potential to cure ALL the debt my girlfriends and I are currently paying off while standing tall in our H&M shoes (no Carrie Bradshaw here) - admitted that men can be just as strategic as women when it comes to finding “The One.”

[ALSO READ: 3 Types of Black Women Easier to Date]

The Chipotle Test is how Mr. Hubby Material says he assesses how “genuine” a woman is. It’s how he figures out if she is just in it to “trap” him, or if she really just wants to get to know him for who he truly is. She could be gorgeous, win an Olympic Gold medal, be a direct descendent of Martin Luther King Jr., or Gandhi, be B (do I really have to spell out the rest of her name?), have the freak potential of Rihanna during her red hair I-am-over-Chris Brown-phase-but-not-really, but she must still pass the Chipotle Test.