When Love Stinks: Navigating the Perils of an Overzealous Admirer

Other people's behaviour can be baffling. When someone is limerent, this principle is even more obvious. We've all succumbed to limerent madness at one time or another. Some of the classics of the LwL community include: faking a love of Proust, exalting a particular branch of Starbuck's coffee (that just happened to be near LO's

So, let’s talk about the wild ride of dating and the sometimes questionable choices we make in the name of love—or perhaps just the fear of being alone. This brings us to our lovely Redditor, who found herself in a rather sticky situation with a guy who seems a little too obsessed for comfort. Spoiler alert: it’s not just his affection that’s overwhelming; it’s also his personal hygiene.

Imagine this: you finally meet someone in person, and instead of the sparks flying or the butterflies dancing, you get hit by a wave of… well, let’s just say it’s not Chanel No. 5. Our dear Redditor had the unfortunate experience of realizing that while the guy might have had a heart full of love, his breath was more like a heart full of regret.

First things first, let’s address the whole ‘I love you’ situation. It’s like the perfect plot twist in a rom-com gone wrong. You meet a guy, he’s charming (or so you think), and then bam! He drops the L-bomb faster than you can say, “This is a mistake!” And what does our Redditor do? She panics and says it back. Classic move. It’s like when someone asks if you want fries with that, and suddenly you’re ordering a large with a milkshake, even though you just wanted a salad.

Now, let’s not gloss over the hygiene issues. I mean, come on! If you’re going to profess your love, can we at least agree to brush our teeth first? The poor lady had to brush her teeth twice after making out. Twice! That’s not a romantic evening; that’s a dental emergency. And the roses left on her doorstep? Sweet gesture, sure, but when the delivery comes with a side of bad odor, it’s hard to appreciate the romance.

Then there’s the whole farting situation. I mean, we all know that love can be messy, but there are boundaries, people! If you’re going to let one rip, at least have the decency to excuse yourself. It’s like, come on, dude, this isn’t a wildlife documentary. Nobody wants to witness the mating rituals of a farting human.

And let’s not forget the kimono incident. Ah yes, the attempt to impress with cultural attire. It’s sweet that he knows she’s into Japanese culture, but when the kimono looks like it was designed for a sumo wrestler’s costume party, it’s hard not to feel a tad embarrassed. Walking around a bookstore with a guy in a loud, sumo-themed kimono? That’s a level of attention no one really wants.

But here’s where it gets complicated: our Redditor is struggling with her feelings—she doesn’t love this man, but she’s afraid of being alone. It’s a tough spot to be in. On one hand, you want to give people a chance, but on the other hand, you don’t want to compromise your self-respect (or your nose). It’s a balancing act that many of us know all too well.

So what’s the takeaway here? Well, love can be a beautiful, messy journey, but sometimes it’s also a bit stinky. If you find yourself in a situation where your date’s affection is overwhelming (and not in a good way), it’s okay to step back. You deserve someone who makes you feel good, not just someone who’s there to fill the void.

In the end, dating is all about finding that right person who not only respects you but also knows the importance of good hygiene, personal space, and perhaps a little less sumo in their wardrobe. And remember, it’s okay to be alone for a while; sometimes, that’s better than being with someone who makes you feel awkward and embarrassed. Here’s to better dates and less stinky love stories!


Inspired by: “Finally meet a guy but he is obsessed with me” (r/GirlDinnerDiaries)