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Influencer clears the air after rejecting first date at hawker

Singapore influencer @naomiblackk has gone viral after she shared her reaction to a man suggesting Lau Pa Sat for their first date.

“Anyone who invites me to Lau Pa Sat for the first date is getting cancelled,” she wrote in an Instagram story.

“It’s just plain rude. I don’t care how handsome you are. I don’t give chances, this is not charity.”

Source: @jacksonsim77 on TikTok

However, what started as a lighthearted, sassy take, soon turned into a nationwide debate.

While some criticised her as being “high maintenance”, Naomi told MS News that it was never about the venue or the money, it was about effort.

More effort expected for first date

Naomi shared that she met the man at a beach party, where he had described her as his “dream girl” and said he would love to take her out on a nice date.

So, naturally, she expected some thought to go into making that first impression.

“When he suggested Lau Pa Sat, honestly I thought he was joking at first,” Naomi said with a laugh.

“I’ve never had anyone mention taking me to a hawker centre for a first date before.”

She clarified that her post was not meant to shame anyone, as she kept the man anonymous.

That said, there was more to Naomi’s seemingly lighthearted reaction.

‘This was never about Lau Pa Sat,’ says influencer

“Let me be clear, this was never about Lau Pa Sat. It’s about first impressions and effort,” said Naomi.

“When a woman shows up for a first date, she usually puts in time, effort, and thought. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect the same in return.”

She explained that choosing a first date spot is not about price tags, but about showing intention.

Source: Lau Pa Sat on Facebook

“Lau Pa Sat is iconic and great for many things, but it’s also hot, noisy, and crowded. That doesn’t say ‘I want to get to know you’, it says ‘afterthought’,” said Naomi.

The influencer added that she would happily go casual on a second or third date, but the first date sets the tone.

Having standards should not be seen as arrogance

While Naomi was surprised to have made headlines, she hopes that her now-viral comments can bring some benefit to other women.

“Raising standards isn’t arrogance, it’s self-respect,” said the influencer.

“If this conversation encourages even a few women to stop settling for less than the effort they deserve, then I’m glad it went viral.”

She also hopes for more women to voice their thoughts, stay authentic, and feel confident about knowing and embracing what they want in life.

Or, as she put it simply:

It was never about Lau Pa Sat. It’s about women having the right to expect effort on a first date and not apologising for that.

Naomi has also since launched a series of merchandise riding on the ‘Lau Pa Sat’ saga.

Source: @naomiblackk on Instagram

Also read: ‘Picky’ woman in M’sia refuses to dine at mamak stall for first date, guy proceeds to block her

‘Picky’ woman in M’sia refuses to dine at mamak stall for first date, guy proceeds to block her

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