I thought I was walking into one more disappointing first date, but by dessert, the man across from me had insulted my body, tried to use me to impress his boss, and learned exactly what happens when a woman stops playing nice.The amber glow of the chandelier caught the edges of the crystal glasses, setting the mood for a dinner I thought might actually go well. After six years of dating disasters, I was truly hoping my luck was changing. Steven looked every bit the polished professional in his navy blazer, his hair slicked back with military precision.Even before the appetizers arrived, I was cataloging the warning signs: the way he checked his reflection in the water glass, the way he said the waiter’s name like a command, the way he smiled only when he was talking about himself.

Still, I told myself not to judge fast.He leaned across the table, his eyes darting toward the entryway as if he were expecting an audience.“I hope you appreciate that I brought you here,” he said, smoothing his silk tie. “I’m a man who likes things done properly. I like women who let a man lead.”I picked up my menu, suppressing a sigh.“That’s an interesting perspective,” I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral. “Is that how you approach every part of your life?”