50 “Worst First Date” Stories That People Submitted For Jimmy Fallon’s Challenge
“It’s Hashtags time!” Jimmy Fallon’s collections of hilarious real-life stories are back with a bang. Twitter users are having lots of fun sharing their personal stories with the 46-year-old comedian and the host of The Tonight Show. This time, everyone’s opening up about their very worst first dates by posting under the #WorstFirstDate hashtag.
First dates are supposed to be a tad awkward but fun. Unfortunately, that’s an overly romantic view of them. Reality shows us that first dates can be utter disasters—as bad as they are hilarious! Take a look at our collection of the funny and unbelievable stories that Twitter users shared with Fallon, give the ones that grabbed your attention an upvote, and share your own stories in the comment section.
Having a weird feeling of déjà vu? When you’re done with this list, check out our post about Fallon asking his fans the very same question nearly 3 years ago. Time flies, but people will never stop going on dates, so there’s an inexhaustible supply of future awkwardness.
Mike Sington, a former senior executive at NBCUniversal and a celebrity and pop culture expert based in Los Angeles, detailed to Bored Panda how shows like Fallon's work, how late-night shows have been adapting to the pandemic, and what the purpose of hosts asking questions on Twitter is. Check out what he had to say below.
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According to Mike, Hollywood's Ultimate Insider, hosts like Fallon ask questions on social media to better connect with their fans. "TV hosts are sourcing material directly from social media because it’s a great way to engage with their audiences and stay connected with them," he said. "Each show has a staff of writers, so there’s no lack of content, but nothing can top the personal, and often very funny, contributions of the fans themselves."
For some viewers, the endless lockdowns seem to have taken some of the wind out of Fallon and other late-night show hosts' sails, removing a chunk of the energy and comedy from their work. However, Mike believes that the situation is quite the opposite. In his opinion, Fallon and the others have been doing brilliantly this past year, going as far as calling them heroes of sorts, while pointing out that it's natural for the hosts to have a different type of energy because they've had to adapt to the new normal like everyone else.
"I commend the late-night hosts for soldering on during this months-long lockdown. So many people are isolated and alone now, and they are welcome and familiar faces we can safely bring into our homes. I would even say what they have been doing over the past several months has been somewhat heroic because it hasn’t been easy for them. They knew early on though, the need was there, and they stepped up to the challenge," the expert explained to Bored Panda.
"I think their material has been better than ever. Over the past year, there’s been a wealth of material in the news to utilize. The energy is there, but it’s a bit different. They’ve had to adjust to trying times and having no audience, but have done so admirably. What they’re doing is paying off in the ratings which have been stronger than ever. They’ve been providing much-needed comfort and familiarity that people are craving now."
Why not say something the first time? "Ehhh hello? GIMME MY MONEY BACK!!"
A lot of us know Fallon from our TV, computer, and phone screens. However, the man’s more than just a comedian and a host. He’s also a loving dad of two girls, Winnie and Franny. Fallon also has a dog named Gary. He also admits that he forces his family to listen to holiday music all year round. Imagine the fun/horror!
The New Yorker’s also a very popular writer, having published hits like Your Baby’s First Word Will Be DADA, Everything Is MAMA, and This Is BABY. Most recently, he’s published 5 More Sleeps ‘til Christmas. Pleasantly surprised that Fallon has a literary side? So were we. But Fallon's books look like they're aimed at families—something that's difficult to build if all you can't move past your disastrous first dates.
I have mentally tried putting on three seatbelts for five minutes, so far unsuccessfully
At least they let you know right away they were the blackmailing type... Nice to know you escaped the second date
Eek, this reminds me of a weird first date I had when I was in my early 20's. The guy brought his mum with him to the restaurant, and she told me that if I had kids "by accident" she would be more than happy to look after them for me while I worked. I still shudder when I think about that evening!!
So yes, this is gross, but might actually be impulse control disorder, which is usually exacerbated by stress. If he was nervous then it was probably made worse. Poor guy! I hope this gets better for him!
You win the worst date award! Meth head face scabs on the table wins every time.
Ewww, I really wish I hadn't read that. Good grief, that#S gonna follwo me for some times. Blerch.
Well, if you're late to a date, you're probably not interested and I would not even shake your hand after.
Note: this post originally had 62 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
I went on a date with a guy who showed up 15 years older and 5 stone heavier than the pics he sent me and then proceeded to try and impress me with stories about when he was in the police 10 years earlier. He then tried to explain my phd to me even though he knew nothing about the subject, and told me he thought intelligent women were "difficult". He then told me I should have dressed sexier (it was an afternoon coffee date) and could I open a couple more buttons on my shirt so that he could see "what he would be getting". I got up and walked out. He had seemed so nice when we had chatted for the previous couple of weeks! It was my one and only online date... I deleted the app as soon as I got home!
It's startling how different people can be in person from how they are in a text chat.
@Holly Smethurst: I’m sorry about what you went through. I think your date must be decent enough for you to risk dating during a pandemic. Being old, fat, and idiotic are not necessarily qualities that would ruin dinner/lunch...it’s the misrepresentation of one’s qualities that bother me. I hope you have fun in the dating world and eventually laugh about the misadventures.
Actually scared now. My husband and only relationship I’ve ever had left me after 20 years. I’ve got my first date on Tuesday and he seems lovely but now I think he’s going to be old fat and an idiot!
Why are intelligent women seen as more “difficult?”
The man would actually have to have a conversation with them and not just mansplain while they smile silently...? Stab in the dark...
Intelligent women can think for theirself (themself?). "Unfortunately" for some men, they also tend to do so.
Mike Beck ?
Thank you @Fidgets McGee and @Mike Beck. So what they’re both saying is, it’s this dude’s insecurity.
K. ?
thangle yes
So, what was in your dissertation, Celeste? My focus was on classroom learning environments...Are you working on a new article? I recently published one on language acquisition. Oh, wow, Celeste, that's a great topic. Are you using a regressive analysis, or a simple reporting of the findings as cross-referenced? Do you have any grad assistants helping you? Really, 4? That should ease the data manipulation...Oh, would you like another latte? Sure, my treat. This is such an interesting discussion! [How hard is a meaningful discussion with an educated person? I find it very easy.] -Dr M
Celeste Grant easy
“We really need to stop blaming the women and start making the man responsible for their own actions.” 🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻 -from one difficult female/woman to another
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Sometimes I wonder if the reason that some of these guys act this way is because the women give off an immediate air of disapproval upon seeing them. Guys aren't dumb...they know when a woman is treating them with hostility. Maybe you weren't the person he thought you were if you showed up and immediately judged him by his age and weight.....
He told me outright that he was 15 years younger than he was... so he lied to me. I actually wouldn't have cared about his age if he had told me the truth but he lied. He also chose to use a picture that didn't represent his current appearance which is also lying! I had been totally honest with him, sent him photos taken that week and we had briefly discussed my phd and research so that wasn't a surprise to him. I find it really problematic that you seem to be blaming me for his creepy attitude and misogynistic behaviour. He lied, was rude,insulted me and then asked to see more of my body... and yet that's somehow all my fault! We really need to stop blaming the women and start making the man responsible for their own actions. Women deserve better which is why I walked away!
He misrepresented himself even before meeting up with her. Frankly, it’s a bit worrisome that you can be meeting someone completely different from the profile they put up. (Yeah, yeah everybody wants to put their best foot forward and you never really know who they are and etc...) I didn't get the feeling that Celeste was put off by his age and weight so much as the way he acted on the date. She stuck around long enough to be subjected to his nonsense.
If he's stupid enough to use a really old picture of himself on his dating profile, he's just asking to be judged on his appearance.
@Celeste Grant. You say that now, but how many girls previously turned him down based on his age and looks. Probably figured if they thought he was younger and thinner, they'd at least talk to him and find out he's actually a nice guy. Obviously you thought so..otherwise..why meet him for coffee? I'm just saying, when you are on these dating apps, you have to expect that there will be fabrications on appearances. Some people just get kicked in the gut too many times to stay honest.
#2: Other guy told me how his ex that he barely even dated got pregnant and decided to keep the baby even though they broke up without telling him and how much she f****d up his life. Kept going for an hour. Didn't understand why I didn't want to go on another date. #3: Dodged a bullet. Guy from dating site was convinced we were meant to be after reading my profile. I didn't think so. He tried to persuade me but didn't work. He was nice though... until then. I left the computer for ~2 hours and left the site open. Came back to 20 messages, every message angrier than the one before. Telling me that I'm a b*tch for ignoring him. He even blocked me. I returned the favor and was done with it. 1 day later I get a message from him on ANOTHER WEBSITE (!!!) saying how hurt he was but HE was willing to give ME another chance. Blocked him there too.
are you some sort of blond mable? *gasp* are you labam?!
Mabel is my cartoon soulmate. I even have her rainbow sweater. ;D
Ritchat -
Got some! One date: guy took me on a cementery, because he was convinced that all people that wear black clothes likes those climates. He also gave me a pedobear pin, because "it reminds me of you". Never spoke to him again. Second date: took me on a date to insult me all night and telling me how better he is, because he's a house seller 🙄 Third date: I was invited to a date in cinema. Turned out it was a "date" with a bunch of workers from my previous job, because they also wanted to see the movie 🤣
Amelija Janavičius, is a troll with a stolen pic. This type of deranged person takes glee in aggressive comments and stirring abuse from others. Please can we let this poor poor person know that they are loved because they are most likely missing this in their real off line life, hence the need of attention through miss behaviour. So to whoever you may be know we are here for you.
I appreciate your kindness, but I’m in no mood to do her any favors.
Is that troll still here? I complained about "it" last week.
That would be like choosing to sit through one of these dates and then asking for a second one
Bad date story #1 - We met online and agreed to meet for coffee at 11AM downtown (I was thinking that if we hit it off, we could do some sightseeing downtown, if not, we could just part ways) and he showed up with a packed suitcase because he was going to stay the weekend with me. I noped right out of that and he got mad because he already told his roommate that he wouldn't be back for a few days.
That guy was delussionnal and ballsy
GirlFriday follower
This was not me, but related from a woman I knew. Went out to dinner on a first date. Didn’t really hit it off, but the guy wanted to come in. She was firm and told him no. Later in the night she hears what sounds like someone in her house. She locked herself in her bathroom, called 911. When they showed up, the guy from the date had broken into her house, and they found him in the basement, with a tarp laid out on the floor, with rope next to it. And he had a large knife in his hand when they found him. It was found later that he had killed and raped 2 other women. It was chilling to listen to.
Can someone teach me these red flags please? I’m either going to die from something food related or from being too polite/naive.
Red flag one: they’re narcissistic. If they won’t shut up, won’t let you get a word in, no second date. This also ties with them automatically assuming you want to f**k, being really pushy, all signs of narcissism. Red flag two: they’re f****d up in the head. Unless you bring it up, it’d be a hard pass for me if they start talking about the consumption of human flesh, Adolf Hitler, or Ted Bundy on a first date. Red flag three: they’re inconsiderate. Idk about y’all, but I was raised to be respectful to women. Getting the door, pulling out the chair, stuff like that. Maybe you shouldn’t expect all that these days, but general consideration is a plus. This kind of ties with narcissism, but they should be willing to try what you want to do or be willing to do something small for you, at least on the first date. Red flag 4: the gut feeling. If something feels off, even if you can’t put your finger on what it is, gtfo.
@Aragorn: as usual, you were very kind to have replied thoughtfully. A note about narcissists: they can be very charming and attentive in the beginning.Thank you, now I’m more likely to die from something food related. I’ve trekked through a blizzard to get food. That was ten years ago, when I was more of a jackass. No one should have to travel through dangerous conditions to work,.......but that’s a generalization which doesn’t include people who work in security/ humanitarian causes.
Tf....
Jesus f*****g christ
Kate J like
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#1 and #2 reasons women are reticent to date a stranger.
Helen Haley love
llhgregory follower