Man insisted on paying for her nails but sent $10 less as he settled the bill — she ended things after spotting the power trip
Relationships often reveal small behaviors that say a lot about a person’s mindset. In one such situation, a woman shared how a man she was dating offered to pay for her nails, but handled it in a way that raised concerns. He insisted on covering the cost, but later sent $10 less than the actual amount, and she chose to end things after recognizing what the gesture reflected. The woman, named Abby, who goes by @explorewithabby, shared a post on January 31, 2026, highlighting how even minor actions can point to deeper issues in a relationship.
@explorewithabby Taking the early signs for what they are >>> #dating #relationships #datingadvice #storytime #selfimprovement ♬ original sound - Abby 🌸
Abby started dating the man because she believed he had the qualities to be a long-term partner. He recalled him having a slight "ego" problem, but the issue became clear when he sent her $10 less than the total cost on purpose when she went to get her nails done. Abby explained that the man had insisted on paying after asking about her nails, which cost $100. However, he only sent $90 and had a mind-boggling reason for it. She learned his reason — “Because I didn't tell you to get the gel.” The situation wasn't about a mere $10. Abby later felt that the move hinted at a subtle power play. This immediately upset her, as she felt the action was not about money but control. She shared, “I have never and will never ask a man to pay for my nails,” adding that “it's not about the funds, it's about principle,” which made her decision firm.
Abby described the man as someone who initially seemed like a good match, saying, “he was hard-working, he was masculine, he was funny, he was a great listener.” She also explained that she regularly pays for her own upkeep and values independence, even if she appreciates thoughtful gestures. However, his "power trip" with that instance was an immediate dealbreaker. Situations like this show how small actions can reveal larger personality traits that might matter later.
In the end, Abby chose to cut him off immediately, feeling that the act showed a need for control rather than genuine care. She also shared how important it is for women to stay financially independent and not rely on someone else for basic needs and to maintain a certain lifestyle. According to her, depending on a partner can create problems if the relationship ends. "If your man is not in the picture, will you be able to fend for yourself?" is the question every woman must ask.
The man Abby dated turned out to be a major red flag, and unfortunately, many other women have experienced dating similar men. In another recent incident, a woman named Lolita shared how her first date quickly became uncomfortable despite a promising start. She met the man through a chance encounter, and at first, he seemed polite, well-dressed, and confident. She even thought things were “too good to be true.” He made an effort by driving a long distance to meet her, which initially impressed her and made her hopeful about the date.
However, things started to feel off once they sat down to talk. He reacted strongly to small expenses like parking. He also remarked, “When it comes to my money, I’m just like a Jew,” a comment that left her feeling uncomfortable. The situation became more awkward when he even refused a slightly larger ice cream because it cost just a few cents more. She later admitted, “I’m sweating from embarrassment,” as the date felt more like a lecture than a normal outing. Afterward, she chose to ignore his messages completely, deciding that walking away was the best response. These seemingly small and insignificant gestures can often tell a great deal about a person, making it all the more important to be mindful, observant and wary.
For more dating stories, follow @explorewithabby on TikTok.