Singaporean woman rejects ‘rude’ date at hawker centre, sparks dating standards debate
Some critics label Naomi as ‘high maintenance’; she argues it is not about location, but ‘first impressions and effort’
A Singaporean influencer claimed she rejected a man because he suggested going to a hawker centre for their first date, sparking a debate about dating standards online.
The woman, who has 38,000 followers on a social media platform, posted a screenshot of her conversation with the man, in which he proposed they meet at Lau Pa Sat, an open-air complex featuring affordable food vendors commonly found in Singapore.
The woman, identified by her username @naomiblackk, expressed her offence in their online exchange, stating: “Anyone who invites me to Lau Pa Sat for a first date is getting cancelled. It’s just plain rude.”
She emphasised that the choice of venue is unacceptable regardless of the man’s looks.
As her post gained traction, some critics labelled her as “high maintenance” and “picky.” However, Naomi contended that it was not about the location but rather about “first impressions and effort.”
She explained that women typically invest time, effort, and thought into the first date and deserve a man who reciprocates that investment.
Naomi described Lau Pa Sat as “hot, noisy, and crowded,” asserting it “does not convey ‘I want to get to know you.’”
She shared her experience to empower other women, stating: “Raising standards is not arrogance; it is self-respect.”