Ah, the first date. That magical moment when two people meet, butterflies in the stomach, and hopes higher than a Starbucks menu board. But apparently, for many women, there’s a long list of places that scream: “Nope, try again.” This list has been blowing up on social media, and it’s hilarious—mainly because some guys genuinely don’t see the problem with taking someone to Applebee’s for the big romantic moment.

So, what’s the deal? Let’s break it down with real testimonies and some laughs along the way.

1. Chain Restaurants (a.k.a. The Cheesecake Factory Dilemma)

The viral list started with this classic: “Don’t take me to The Cheesecake Factory.” One woman on TikTok said, “If he takes me there, I’m out. He could have just cooked spaghetti at home instead.”

Ouch. But here’s the thing—many men were genuinely shocked. One guy commented: “What’s wrong with Cheesecake Factory? They have a 22-page menu! That’s literally more choices than life gives you.”

The truth? For many women, chain restaurants feel lazy, like zero effort was put into planning. Guys, take notes: ambiance matters more than a menu that reads like a short novel.

2. Coffee Dates – Why Some Say It’s a No-Go

This one caused a civil war on the internet. Some women swear coffee dates are the bare minimum: “If he suggests coffee, I feel like he’s interviewing me for a job,” wrote Sarah from London.

But others defended it, saying it’s low-pressure and safe. Honestly, coffee dates are like the Netflix of dating—everyone’s got an opinion. But if you’re hoping for a “Wow!” moment, a latte and a wooden chair might not cut it.

3. Fast Food Joints – Burger King, Seriously?

One woman on Twitter shared her nightmare first date: “He drove me through a McDonald’s drive-thru and asked if I wanted to split the fries. Then he told me he forgot his wallet.”

Split the fries? Sir, no. Just… no.

4. Movie Theaters – The Silent First Date

Sounds romantic, right? Wrong. “Why would I want to sit in silence with a stranger for two hours? What if he’s creepy? What if he smells weird? What if he eats popcorn like a wild animal?”

Valid points. A movie offers zero chance for conversation and maximum awkwardness. Save it for date three—maybe after you confirm he’s not a serial killer.

5. The Gym – Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?

This one is baffling, yet it happens. A woman on Reddit shared: “He told me to meet him at his gym. I showed up in jeans and he asked if I forgot my leggings. That was the first and last time I saw him.”

No one wants to be sweaty, self-conscious, and lifting weights next to a guy they barely know. Next.

6. Family Gatherings – A First Date Horror Story

Yes, this was actually on the list. One poor soul said: “He took me to his mom’s house for Sunday dinner. I met his parents, his grandma, and his cousin who asked when the wedding was. I didn’t even know his last name yet.”

Gentlemen, first dates should be light—not a preview of your family tree.

7. “Just Come Over” – The Netflix & Nope

If the first date invite is “Come to my place and chill,” it’s a hard pass for most women. As one comment read: “Sir, I watch enough true crime to know where this is going.”

Ladies, trust your gut—and maybe don’t trust that guy who can’t leave his couch.

8. Cheap Ice Cream Runs – Sweet but… Really?

Ice cream can be cute—if done right. But some women feel it’s a little too casual for a first impression. One hilarious tweet said: “He took me to 7-Eleven for a Slurpee and said it was a ‘fun summer vibe.’ No, it was diabetes in a cup.”

What Women Actually Want

Here’s the twist: it’s not about the money. Most women agree it’s about effort. Pick a nice local café, a cute wine bar, a scenic walk with gelato from an artisanal shop. Show that you thought about it.

As one woman perfectly summed it up: “We don’t want a five-star Michelin experience, we just want to feel like you care.”

The Takeaway

Guys, the viral list isn’t meant to scare you. It’s a reminder that first impressions count. Your date doesn’t have to be extravagant—but it should feel intentional. And if you’re still thinking The Cheesecake Factory is a good idea… maybe ask her first.

So, what about you? Would you reject a coffee date? Or is The Cheesecake Factory secretly your love language? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I need to know.