Dating faux pas: Model's date ruined by orthodontic mishap

It was supposed to be a pleasant time and possibly a chance for a new, beautiful love. Rachel Uzeta, a 25-year-old model from Los Angeles, went on a date with a previously unknown man full of hope. However, she did not anticipate that the date could turn out to be a complete disaster right from the start. Disgusted and disappointed, she left the restaurant after just a few minutes.

I’m not kidding, I literally just left the date because the man took out his orthodontic appliance at the table – admitted Rachel in a short film she posted online.

Rachel, who shared her story in a short film on TikTok, explained that just the sight of saliva trailing from the man’s mouth was enough for her to completely lose interest. Without a word, she left the table, pretending to go to the bathroom, and then went home. Only after a while did she send a message saying she was not interested in continuing the relationship.

Although the man tried to find out what went wrong, Rachel decided to end the conversation and didn’t respond again. Interestingly, the man still writes to her, even though he gets no response.

Although Rachel admitted that her way of ending the date wasn’t ideal, she stated that she couldn’t ignore her "disgust."

The whole situation sparked a lively discussion about modern dating and expectations from partners. Some internet users agreed with her, saying her partner’s behaviour was inappropriate.

He could have at least done it in the bathroom, not in front of you – commented one of the internet users.

There were also those who defended the man, arguing that such behaviour should not be considered a faux pas.

Rachel’s story fits perfectly into a broader discussion about modern dating and the challenges people face when looking for love. More and more often, social media features conversations about how small habits or inappropriate behaviours can ruin the chances of developing a relationship. Examples include being late, rudeness towards restaurant staff, or excessive use of the phone during meetings.

Australian relationship coach Louanne Ward recently sparked a debate about whether women work on themselves more than men to improve their chances of finding a partner. She noted that women are more likely to take responsibility for their relationship mistakes and learn from their experiences. In contrast, men tend to avoid responsibility and blame others for relationship failures.

Ward also emphasized that both parties are responsible for a successful relationship, and an important element is being aware of one’s flaws and habits, which may be unacceptable to the other person.

The incident Rachel Uzeta experienced created a storm on the internet, dividing users into two groups—those who supported her reaction and those who thought she overreacted. Regardless of which side you take, this story prompts reflection on how small, seemingly insignificant gestures can affect our relationships and perceptions of another person.