I got a match on Tinder a few days ago. On our first chat, he told me that his day was not good as he already skipped two meals. He apparently lost his wallet at MRT and that's the only money he brought with him at NCR. He was staying in a transient apartment for an errand.

I always knew the possibility that this was a lie, but there was still a chance that he was in need. I gave him 150 pesos via GCash. More than doing something good for a potential romantic interest, I did it mainly as a compassionate act for a fellow Filipino in need. Plus he never begged me for a cash transfer. After we ended our conversation in the morning, I offered help as I can't bear to just ignore his situation.

I chose not to give him a larger amount as if I did give him that and he scammed me, I know I'll be pissed off. That should be enough to buy him a meal or two. I told him to just give it back whenever he can (as it would be awkward in our context if I considered his case a charity), and he told me he will once he contacts his parents in the province.

A day passed and I asked him how he was. He still said he's out of money and has not eaten anything yet for the day. Now whether or not this was true, I did not offer him help anymore. There's only so much I can do for a stranger, right? And it was starting to be a turn-off for me.

Lo and behold, he disappeared from my list of matches after a few hours. I kind of knew this was coming, but it still sucks that your kindness is repaid with this bullshit.