I Told My Date about My Specific 3-Year-Rule, but He Immediately Left and Blocked Me – Is It Really That Weird?

Addison’s life revolves around her demanding job as a neurologist, leaving little time for romance. When her cheerful coworker Nathan sets her up on a blind date with a seemingly perfect guy named Jake, she finally feels a spark of hope. However, after Addison shares her three-year dating rule, her date abruptly leaves. What went wrong?

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I always thought my life would stay the same.

Day in and day out, the hospital consumed all my time.

A smiling young doctor | Source: Midjourney

A smiling young doctor | Source: Midjourney

My name is Addison, and I work as a neurologist. My days are filled with patients, charts, and endless rounds.

It’s a fulfilling job, but it leaves little room for anything else, especially dating.

A busy young woman | Source: Midjourney

A busy young woman | Source: Midjourney

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One day, while grabbing a quick coffee in the break room, my coworker Nathan walked in with a bright smile on his face.

Nathan is always in a good mood, no matter how stressful the day gets.

A smiling doctor | Source: Midjourney

A smiling doctor | Source: Midjourney

“Hey, Addison,” Nathan said, leaning against the counter. “How do you feel about blind dates?”

I laughed, almost spilling my coffee. “Blind dates? Nathan, you know my schedule. I barely have time to eat, let alone date.”

Two professionals laughing and chatting | Source: Midjourney

Two professionals laughing and chatting | Source: Midjourney

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Nathan chuckled. “I know, but hear me out. My friend Jake is a great guy. He’s kind, funny, and I think you two would hit it off. What do you say?”

I paused, considering it. I hadn’t been on a date in ages, and the idea of meeting someone new was intriguing. Plus, Nathan seemed genuinely excited about it.

A couple enjoying drinks | Source: Pexels

A couple enjoying drinks | Source: Pexels

“Okay, then,” I said, smiling. “You’ve convinced me. When’s this magical date happening?”

Nathan’s face lit up. “Really?? How about next Tuesday night? It’s the only evening that works for both of you!”

A doctor with his arms crossed | Source: Midjourney

A doctor with his arms crossed | Source: Midjourney

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Next Tuesday. I mentally checked my calendar. It was one of the rare nights I didn’t have a late shift or any other commitments.

“Next Tuesday works for me,” I said. “Let’s do it.”

A female doctor talking to a male doctor | Source: Midjourney

A female doctor talking to a male doctor | Source: Midjourney

Nathan grinned. “Great! I’ll set it up and text you the details. You won’t regret this, Addison,” he said with a wink.

“We’ll see that,” I laughed and finished my coffee quickly.

A smiling doctor | Source: Midjourney

A smiling doctor | Source: Midjourney

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As I walked back to my office, I felt both excited and nervous. It had been so long since I had gone on a date.

My life had become a routine of work and more work, with little time for anything else. But maybe this was what I needed — a chance to step out of my comfort zone.

A doctor lost in her work | Source: Midjourney

A doctor lost in her work | Source: Midjourney

The rest of the day flew by in a blur of patient consultations and medical charts. But in the back of my mind, I kept thinking about the upcoming date. Maybe, just maybe, this blind date with Jake would be the start of something new.

On Tuesday night, I arrived at the quaint restaurant Nathan had suggested.

Inside a restaurant | Source: Freepik

Inside a restaurant | Source: Freepik

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It was cozy, with dim lighting and a warm ambiance that immediately put me at ease. As I walked in, I spotted a man sitting at a table near the window.

He looked up, smiled, and waved me over.

This must be Jake, I thought to myself.

A smiling man at a table | Source: Midjourney

A smiling man at a table | Source: Midjourney

“Addison?” he asked as I approached the table.

“Yes, and you must be Jake,” I replied with a smile.

A couple on a date | Source: Freepik

A couple on a date | Source: Freepik

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We shook hands, and I took a seat. Almost immediately, the waitress came over to take our drink orders.

“I’ll have a glass of red wine, please,” I said.

“I’ll have the same,” Jake added.

Two people enjoying wine | Source: Freepik

Two people enjoying wine | Source: Freepik

As the waitress left, we started chatting. Jake was easy to talk to, and I felt my initial nervousness melt away.

“So, Nathan tells me you’re a neurologist,” he said, looking genuinely interested. “That must be a challenging job.”

A couple lost in each other's eyes | Source: Freepik

A couple lost in each other’s eyes | Source: Freepik

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“It is,” I nodded. “But I love it. What about you? What do you do?”

“I’m a graphic designer,” Jake replied. “I work freelance, so my schedule is pretty flexible. It’s a lot of fun, especially when I get to work on creative projects.”

A person working on their laptop | Source: Pexels

A person working on their laptop | Source: Pexels

Our drinks arrived, and we ordered appetizers — stuffed mushrooms and bruschetta. As we nibbled on the delicious food, we continued to talk about our lives, hobbies, and interests.

“I love hiking and photography,” Jake said, taking a sip of his wine. “There’s something about being in nature that’s so refreshing.”

A male photographer | Source: Pexels

A male photographer | Source: Pexels

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“I’ve always wanted to get into photography,” I said. “But I never seem to find the time. Maybe you could give me some tips?”

“I’d love to,” Jake said with a smile. “It’s all about finding the right light and angle.”

A woman with a camera | Source: Pexels

A woman with a camera | Source: Pexels

As the evening went on, I found myself more and more charmed by Jake. He was kind, funny, and easy to talk to.

We laughed a lot, and it felt like I had known him for much longer than just one evening.

A cozy couple | Source: Freepik

A cozy couple | Source: Freepik

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As we moved on to our main course, Jake looked at me with a smile. “So, Addison, how about we ask each other some more personal questions to break the ice further?”

“Sure, that sounds good,” I said. “What do you want to know?”

Food | Source: Unsplash

Food | Source: Unsplash

Jake leaned in slightly. “How about your one-to-five-year plan? What are your goals?”

I took a moment to think. “Well, I hope to advance in my career as a neurologist,” I began.

A woman staring at her man | Source: Freepik

A woman staring at her man | Source: Freepik

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“Maybe get promoted to a senior position. I also want to decorate my apartment; it feels too plain right now,” I continued. “I’ve been thinking about getting a pet, maybe a cat or a small dog. And I’d love to travel more, see new places, and experience different cultures. Oh, and I want to expand my bookshelf with my favorite novels. I love reading!”

Pile of books and cup on top | Source: Unsplash

Pile of books and cup on top | Source: Unsplash

“That sounds wonderful. You have a lot of exciting plans!” he grinned.

“What about you?” I asked, curious to hear about his future plans.

“I want to grow my freelance business,” Jake said. “Maybe open my own studio one day. I also love traveling, so I’d like to visit more countries. And, believe it or not, I’ve been thinking about getting a pet too. A dog, probably.”

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A dog | Source: Unsplash

A dog | Source: Unsplash

We laughed at the coincidence, and it felt nice to find common ground!

“So, how do you feel about marriage and family?” Jake further asked as he sipped his wine.

And this is where it all went horribly wrong.

A family | Source: Unsplash

A family | Source: Unsplash

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“Honestly, I’d love to find a partner to share my life with,” I told him, “someone who understands and supports me. But marriage isn’t a necessity for me. If it happens, great, but if not, that’s okay too. As for children, I don’t see myself having any. For now. I’m happy with my career and personal goals.”

Jake leaned forward, looking serious. “What if you found the perfect guy? How long before you’d marry him?”

Two people smiling at each other and standing close | Source: Freepik

Two people smiling at each other and standing close | Source: Freepik

“Three years,” I said. “I believe in building a strong foundation. Six months to really get to know someone, a year of serious dating, and a year and a half of living together before considering engagement or marriage.”

Jake’s face changed, his friendly expression replaced by a frown. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Three years? That’s a long time. What if someone wants a quicker timeline?”

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An upset man | Source: Midjourney

An upset man | Source: Midjourney

I felt a knot forming in my stomach. “Well, uh, I think it’s important to take time to build a strong relationship. I’m pretty confident about my three-year-plan.”

Jake’s frown deepened, and he abruptly called the waitress. “Check, please,” he said curtly. She looked confused but quickly brought the bill.

A waitress | Source: Pexels

A waitress | Source: Pexels

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“Jake, what’s wrong?” I asked as he stood up, but he didn’t bother to answer. He paid and walked out of the restaurant without a glance back.

I sat there, stunned and hurt. What just happened?

Later, at home, I couldn’t stop thinking about the evening.

A woman staring at her reflection | Source: Pexels

A woman staring at her reflection | Source: Pexels

How could Jake just leave like that?

Deciding I needed answers, I messaged him.

I sent a selfie we took together and wrote, “Hey Jake, why did you leave so suddenly? I thought we were having a great time.”

A woman using her phone | Source: Unsplash

A woman using her phone | Source: Unsplash

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A few minutes later, his reply came: “Don’t contact me again. You’re indecisive and not serious about what you want.”

Then, he blocked me.

I stared at my phone in disbelief. Was I really that off base?

The next day at work, I noticed Nathan giving me strange glances. Gathering my courage, I decided to confront him.

A man holding a phone in his hands | Source: Unsplash

A man holding a phone in his hands | Source: Unsplash

“Nathan, what did Jake tell you? You know why he left, don’t you?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Nathan looked uncomfortable and shifted on his feet. “You messed it up, Addy,” he said. “Jake… told me you were wasting his time. He wanted something serious. He was looking for marriage, and you… you weren’t the best person for him. Sorry, I gotta go.”

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A sad doc | Source: Midjourney

A sad doc | Source: Midjourney

I couldn’t believe it.

During my lunch break, I called my best friend, Sophie.

“Hey, Addison. How did the date go?” was the first thing she asked.

A cheerful woman on video call | Source: Pexels

A cheerful woman on video call | Source: Pexels

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I sighed, feeling the weight of the evening pressing on me. “It started great, but then it ended terribly. Jake left abruptly after I talked about my three-year plan, and then he blocked me when I asked him why.”

Sophie’s eyes widened. “He did what? That’s ridiculous! What exactly happened?”

A sad young doctor | Source: Midjourney

A sad young doctor | Source: Midjourney

I recounted every detail, my voice trembling slightly as I relived the evening. When I finished, Sophie shook her head. “Addison, being honest about your expectations is important. If he couldn’t handle that, it’s his loss.”

“I can’t stop wondering if my three-year rule is really that strange, Sophie,” I admitted, my voice breaking a bit.

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An anxious doctor | Source: Midjourney

An anxious doctor | Source: Midjourney

“Not at all,” Sophie said firmly. “Everyone has their own timeline and needs. What matters is that you stay true to yourself. If he couldn’t appreciate that, he wasn’t the right guy for you.”

Her words wrapped around me like a comforting blanket. But it didn’t ease all my worries. Was I wrong to be upfront about my expectations? Should I have kept it to myself? All I know is that being honest about what I want is important, even if it means losing a date like Jake.

A doctor focused on her work | Source: Midjourney

A doctor focused on her work | Source: Midjourney

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What would you have done?

If you enjoyed this story, here’s another one: Julia is excited to surprise her husband on his birthday, but everything changes when she hears an unexpected voice. Hiding in the living room, her heart pounds as her husband’s laughter mingles with another woman’s. What will Julia uncover?

A couple | Source: Unsplash

A couple | Source: Unsplash

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

Surprising new details about the 1973 Oscar incident

At the height of her career in 1973, Cher attended the Academy Awards ceremony alongside her then-husband Sonny Bono.

Photographers eagerly snapped away, thinking they’d captured the perfect moment. But little did they know, the real story was unfolding before their eyes..

Cher dazzled and captivated all the cameras at the 1973 Academy Awards, stealing the spotlight with her bold dress. Sporting something that wouldn’t be out of place on their own television show, Cher wore the first of many memorable Cher Oscar outfits.

The night Hollywood erupted

But before we dive into her unforgettable appearance, we need to start with another moment from that night — one that made Hollywood boil over with emotion.

To be honest, the 45th Academy Awards in 1973 is mostly remembered as one of the most controversial moments in Oscar history, due to the courageous act of a young woman named Sacheen Littlefeather.

Flickr / GPA Photo Archive

She wasn’t a famous actress or a household name, but she forever changed the conversation in Hollywood when she walked onto the stage that night.

Clad in a traditional buckskin dress and moccasins, her long dark hair adorned with Native-style beadwork, Littlefeather stepped into the spotlight not to accept an award but to refuse one.

She was there on behalf of Marlon Brando, who had won the Best Actor award for his role in The Godfather – but chose to decline it as a protest against Hollywood’s treatment of Native Americans.

”I was distressed”

The audience in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion was caught off guard, torn between applause and boos as Littlefeather explained Brando’s decision.

Some even booed her.

Littlefeather was supposed to read a 739-word statement, but the Oscars producer threatened to have her physically removed and arrested if she went over 60 seconds.

Under this pressure, she delivered a shortened version of the speech, and as she left the stage, some audience members mocked her with tomahawk chop gestures.

”I was distressed that people should have booed and whistled and stomped, even though perhaps it was directed at myself,” Brando later told Dick Cavett.

But the fury didn’t stop there.

Reportedly, Hollywood’s biggest stars were visibly divided. John Wayne is said to have been waiting backstage, restrained by six security guards to keep him from confronting Littlefeather. Though this account has been debated, the intense reactions from other presenters were undeniable.

Clint Eastwood’s accused of racism

Later that evening, just before announcing the Best Actress winner, Raquel Welch quipped, ”I hope the winner doesn’t have a cause.”

When Clint Eastwood took the stage to present the Best Picture award, he joked about doing it ”on behalf of all the cowboys shot in John Ford Westerns over the years.” The veteran actor has since faced accusations of racism for that comment.

Meanwhile, Michael Caine, who co-hosted the event, criticized Brando for ”letting some poor little Indian girl take the boos” instead of ”standing up and doing it himself.”

Bobby Bank/WireImage

It’s easy to look back on that night as a sign of how far we still had to go.

For many, Littlefeather’s bravery wasn’t fully understood until decades later. On YouTube, comments beneath clips of her speech are filled with praise.

One user wrote, “People said that Will Smith slapping Chris Rock is the most disgusting moment in Oscar history, but they never saw a Native American woman defending her people’s rights getting booed by actors and actresses. That was the most disgusting moment in Oscar history.”

An ethnic fraud?

Yet, the story of Sacheen Littlefeather, born Maria Louise Cruz in 1946, doesn’t end with her iconic moment at the Oscars.

Shortly after her passing in 2022 from breast cancer, a new chapter unfolded that would challenge the narrative she had crafted over the years.

Her sisters stepped forward, asserting that Littlefeather had fabricated her Native American ancestry. Rosalind Cruz, her sister, revealed that Littlefeather believed it would be more “prestigious” to identify as Native American rather than embrace their Hispanic roots. According to the sisters, their father was of Spanish-Mexican descent, not Apache and Yaqui as Littlefeather had claimed.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Rosalind Cruz also dismissed her sister’s claim that she received the name Littlefeather from her dad after dancing before him while holding a single feather aloft.

“That she danced in front of my father and always wore a feather in her hair, in her head? And that’s when my father called her ‘Littlefeather?’ That’s another fantasy,” Cruz told San Fransisco Chronicle.

New research

As the 50th anniversary of her groundbreaking Oscar moment approached, her sisters reiterated their stance, insisting that Littlefeather was a fraud.

However, just as this narrative began to solidify, new research emerged on March 6, 2024, suggesting that Littlefeather may indeed have had Indigenous Mexican roots.

While we may not have the final word on this debate, this new perspective undeniably casts a different light on that historic Oscar moment and the ongoing fight for representation in Hollywood.

The iconic Cher outfit

Alright, folks, let’s move on to Cher!

Younger generations may not fully grasp the incredible phenomenon that Sonny & Cher were during their heyday. They were massive — absolutely massive!

And Cher, of course, has continued to dazzle and entertain countless new audiences over the years.

But in 1973, Cher was just 27 years old when she attended the Academy Awards alongside her then-husband, Sonny Bono. The couple was there to present the award for Best Original Song, because who better to hand out musical accolades than a duo who knows a thing or two about hitting all the right notes.

Sonny Bono And Cher (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

That night, amidst many stunning celebrities, Cher radiated with an unparalleled brilliance. Dressed in a daring outfit and rocking hoop earrings, Cher instantly became a fashion icon, proving that sometimes all you need is a bold look and a bit of attitude to make history. Her striking ensemble was designed by Bob Mackie, Hollywood’s premier designer at the time.

He had been dressing Cher since 1967, when she made a guest appearance on The Carol Burnett Show. “We hit it off right off the bat,” Mackie recalled to Variety, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Gold chiffon pajama

Cher always turned to Mackie for special occasions, and the 1973 Oscars were no exception. Back then, Cher was a size 6 with a beautifully trim midriff.

“She likes to emphasize that,” Mackie told Daily News the day after the event.

He crafted a stunning gold chiffon pajama set for her, featuring a bare midriff and flowing Oriental sleeves.

Cher’s long hair cascaded loosely, accentuating the intricate gold Byzantine embroidery, her exposed midriff, and the elegant sleeves that grazed the floor.

Singer Sonny Bono and singer Cher attend the 45th Annual Academy Awards on March 27, 1973 at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles Music Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

At that time, Cher and Sonny had reached the pinnacle of the entertainment industry. Their records sold in the millions, and they were one of the most sought-after acts for concerts and nightclub engagements.

Their comedy hour on CBS was immensely popular, it used to air every Wednesday at 8 PM — truly a “royal jewel” in the CBS crown.

But did all that fame and success really shine through when they strutted down the red carpet that spring evening in 1973? It’s tough to say! What we do know today definitely puts a new spin on that unforgettable night.

Cracks in the facade

Just days before the 1973 Oscars, several newspapers published articles highlighting the declining ratings for The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour.

Competing against popular shows like Sanford and Son on NBC and The Brady Bunch, their program struggled to achieve the heights it once enjoyed in previous seasons.

While these type of bad ratings would typically lead to immediate cancellations for many shows, CBS executives had a special affection for Sonny and Cher’s program.

They were allowed to continue, largely because the couple was seen as easy to work with. But was it really smooth sailing between Cher and Sonny?

The answer is no.

Walked off stage

The couple’s marriage added a layer of natural friction to their show, but by 1973, that tension was becoming increasingly problematic. Sonny, twelve years Cher’s senior, had faced many challenges before reaching stardom. While Cher could effortlessly shine on stage and in front of the camera, Sonny often played the role of the domineering boss behind the scenes.

One notable incident occurred when Cher famously walked off stage during a performance in Las Vegas, exclaiming, “Who needs you?”

Despite the turmoil, they managed to maintain their relationship. According to The Washington Post, Sonny even gifted Cher a new car to keep the peace, and life at their Beverly Hills mansion continued as usual.

However, that moment in Vegas hinted at a deeper issue. Cher had become the undeniable star of the duo, capable of launching a successful solo career if she chose to. In hindsight, it’s haunting to look at the pictures from that fateful Oscars night, knowing what lay beneath their glamorous facade.

In fact, Cher and Sonny had been grappling with marital problems since late 1972, but they put on a brave face for the cameras, maintaining appearances until 1974.

Cher later described her husband as a “watered-down Svengali,” who tightly controlled their careers and lives with an iron fist. While they were dazzling audiences and making headlines, their personal lives were anything but picture-perfect.

Looking at the iconic images of Cher and Sonny at the Oscars in 1973, it’s a stark reminder for us that sometimes, the most dazzling moments are merely a cover for the cracks beneath the surface.

A huge womanizer

After their much-publicized divorce, it was revealed that Sonny Bono had been notoriously unfaithful — but Cher? Well, she was blissfully unaware.

Just look at the picture below of Cher, shimmering in a dazzling outfit with a smile that could light up the Hollywood sign.

Sonny Bono and Cher attend the Academy Awards ceremony at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on March 27, 1973 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

It’s hard to imagine that behind the scenes, Sonny was more interested in creating a harem than harmonizing in a heartfelt duet.

Cher once said, “Stardom made Sonny a huge womanizer. One woman, or even five, was not enough for him. I found all this out afterward. I asked him, ‘How did you manage the logistics?’”

”I was trusting and faithful with him. The truth is, I’m not so sure we should’ve ever been husband and wife.”

Today, Cher, 78, continues to enchant audiences with her talent and charisma.She remains a powerful force in the entertainment industry.

As for Sonny, he left this world in 1998 after a tragic skiing acciden

Looking at that iconic snapshot from 1973, it’s easy to be mesmerized by Cher and Sonny, radiating confidence and glamour as they stood on top of the world.

But the truth?

Their relationship was quietly unraveling, and we had no idea. It’s fascinating, in hindsight, to see how their dazzling smiles masked the turmoil beneath.

Cher’s brilliant smile reminds us that even in the brightest moments, life can be complex and unpredictable. It’s a beautiful testament to her strength and the resilience that has defined her journey

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