That's What Friends Are For

We have a girlfriend who gets to go on lots of dates. She really is that charming and lovely!

Goodnaturedly, she has allowed us to start a pool on which of her many suitors will make it to the next level.

What she didn't know is that we would do our own reconnaissance during her dates.

We involved the bartender, the hostess, the server, AND the other guests in the restaurant - and so we got the job done.

The man in question will survive to see another date with our approval. Lucky guy!! 

Annoying Things Pt.367551

Seriously. When looking for a recommendation, why do you have to qualify it as being a request for a GOOD recommendation? Do you have people in your world who routinely set you up for failure by giving you bad suggestions?

"In Search Of: Mechanic. Must be trustworthy and competent. Not too expensive."

Really? Do you think there would have been someone thinking, "Oh! I know a great mechanic, but now that you say that you need someone trustworthy and competent...well, that one is out." Good thing you clarified ahead of time! Think of all of the untrustworthy, incompetent and overpriced mechanics your friends and family would have suggested to you.

Or this one: "Looking for free or cheap lawnmower. Must run great and be in excellent condition."

I am sorry - what you are looking for is a new lawnmower and those must be purchased at (or near) MSRP. Or stolen, I guess.

Maybe I should start ignoring those types of posts instead of answering with my favorite response: "???".