We went to a fancy restaurant on our first date. She asked the waiter, “What’s the most expensive dish on your menu?” with a smile as soon as we were seated. My heart fell. Even though I was prepared to pay for dinner, I hadn’t budgeted for a costly meal. The waiter paused, gave me a quick look, and then meticulously explained a sumptuous seafood platter that exceeded my monthly grocery budget. In an attempt to conceal my surprise, I forced a grin and told him to wait while we made a decision. I began to question whether I had made a grave error at that very moment.I politely inquired as we perused the menu if she was certain she wanted that particular dish. She chuckled and responded, “Oh no, I’m just curious,” which surprised me. It gives me a lot of information about the person I’m with, therefore I always ask that on first dates. I felt a wave of relief, but then curiosity took its place. “If someone is adamant about ordering it, it indicates that they are more concerned with appearances than with us having a good time,” she explained. They may not be able to handle difficulties successfully if they respond with tension or rage. I’m searching for someone who is not only giving or ostentatious, but also serene and considerate. Her strange query suddenly felt like a test of character rather than a warning sign.After eating basic pasta dishes, we spent hours discussing our goals, our families, and the types of lives we wanted to lead. I came to appreciate her sincerity and kindness by the end of the evening. What had begun as a tense supper had evolved into one of the most profound discussions I had ever had. I couldn’t help but smile as I walked her to her car. I never would have imagined the depth of the relationship that was made possible by that odd question at the beginning.We still joke about our first date years later, even though she is now my wife. Even though we’ve faced many difficulties together, we always return to that lesson: the cost of a meal, a home, or even a gift doesn’t always represent actual value. It can be seen in the way two individuals approach life together, prioritizing love, patience, and honesty. She still asks the server the same question whenever we go out to dine, giving me a mischievous wink that reminds me of how it all started.