A friend once told me that when she was in her early twenties, she used to go on dates just to have a nice meal. She explained that she was so cash strapped that this was her only way to avoid eating cup ramen every night. She said her gentlemen friend got something out of it by enjoying her company and having eye candy on his arm. In return, she’s wined, dined, and had a very active social life. When she told me this, I did what any reasonable person would do. I judged the heck out of her.

 Flash forward to the present time. Gas prices are high, and cost of everything has gone up, and eating out is becoming more of a luxury than a convenience. So, I think about my friend from years ago and her dating for free meals strategy. Looking back at this conversation, I am now curious. How many women (or men) go on dates simply to get a free meal and entertainment?  I’ve even heard of women who go on multiple dates in one week to avoid having to cook for themselves. So, I ask you, have you ever gone on a date just for the free food?

I am going to be honest; I have. There was this one guy I went on a date with purely because he said he would take me to this great sushi place. And he did, and it was great sushi. But that’s about all there was to him. He wasn’t funny, interesting, or attractive. I just wanted the sushi. And I got it. So, in a way, I guess you could say I used him just as much as he was using me.

As it turns out, dating for free meals is not uncommon, and some research has been done on the topic. Would you believe there is an actual term for this? It’s called a “foodie call.” Yes, I know; it’s precisely what it sounds like. An article in Social Psychology and Personality Science describes it as dating despite a lack of attraction or real interest to get a free meal.

As you may have guessed, it is a play on the term “booty call.” Like the booty call, both men and women are guilty of the foodie call. In this article, however, the focus is mainly on women who go on foodie calls. The women who participated in foodie calls are said to score high in Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism. If you’re unfamiliar with those terms, all three are personality traits and make up the “dark triad.” These women are willing to manipulate and use people to get what they want. And what they want is a free meal.

Of the 708 women interviewed for the study, 23 percent took part in one or more foodie calls, while 77 percent did not. The women who admitted to going on foodie calls also admitted that they did not conform to the traditional gender roles. They wanted what they wanted and would get it, even if it meant using someone else.

So, there you have it. If you’ve ever gone on a date purely for the free food, you’re not alone. You make exhibit some dark personality traits, but you’re also not a bad person. You may be a little bit manipulative, but that’s okay. We all have our flaws. Personally, I think there’s nothing wrong with going on a foodie call.  If you’re honest about your intentions and the other person is okay with it, then have at it. Just make sure you have a good time and enjoy that free meal. And you’re not alone.

Enjoy the Randomness!

~Xiana