S01.E09: Why Shouldn't I Want the Best

[kitkat343]

"Michelle's first date in Prague takes a turn. Nathaly meets someone she didn't expect. Harold's date tests his flexibility. Susan takes it a step further with Mauricio. Stanika meets Noureddine's family."

[sainte-chapelle]

I like Harold but by the looks of it he is going to come on too strong and scare Michela away. She is a nice woman and is right to say it is too soon to know what will happen because she doesn’t know him well enough yet.

[Nancybeth]

Yeah, Harold needs to slow his roll juuuuust a little. I'm sure he feels under pressure because he's only there for a certain amount of time but, like, you don't need to propose on this trip. Maybe have a little bit of a long-distance relationship??

[Tango64]

So the doctor wore a chef's coat and toque to bake a cake with Michelle? Who does that? Most actual chefs don't wear the hat. A bit pretentious and would make me suspicious.

Edited July 10, 2023 by Tango64
corrected name

[endure]

Is Juan the worst matchmaker in the world, or just me?  He obviously sets up his dates with no regard to his clients wants then he blames his clients.  I thought that was odd and uncomfortable for the girl (sorry cant recall her name) to be anticipating a date to show up at the coffee shop then he appears, just no consideration for her at all.  He needs to find another career.

[DEL901]

23 minutes ago, endure said:

Is Juan the worst matchmaker in the world, or just me?  He obviously sets up his dates with no regard to his clients wants then he blames his clients.  I thought that was odd and uncomfortable for the girl (sorry cant recall her name) to be anticipating a date to show up at the coffee shop then he appears, just no consideration for her at all.  He needs to find another career.

The Czech lady is bucking for that title as well, suggesting there is something wrong with the woman who was looking for a partner, and didn’t want to be the junior partner in a relationship.  

[Tuneful]

Well, this was a palate cleanser after Before the 90 Days.

Michelle with the teeth. She’s so extra. When she’s angry, her angry faces are very unpleasant. Her Czech date speaks better English than she does, because he doesn’t fill it with “like” every 3 to 4 words. I think she is bitter, in part because the South is so nuclear-family oriented (as is the Midwest), more than the Northeast. As a single woman in her community she does feel put down and left out. But she needs to chill. Don't demand sex from the guy. Let him take some initiative. Be classy. This isn't betraying feminism. 

All these people need more coaching on how to play the long game, not rush it so much. If it’s real, it will continue after the American departs. And the women should be willing to soften it up a little. (I don't know about Nathaly, I FF'd.)

Susan is very mannish, and her (literally) hiding behind her dog is unfortunate. She won’t go anywhere on a date unless she takes the dog, always on her lap or the table. Guys can only see her without the dog for a hour in her hotel bar. She’s like the mother of a toddler with no babysitter ever. Very restricting. In fact, I'm amazed the producers kept her on...The Czech artist seems okay (is that a wig he’s wearing?) but I’d see them more as friends. The language barrier is a major obstacle. 

Michaela looked scary-thin. Is she anorexic? She, like other Europeans I’ve known, prefers to have “friends” and give it time to see if it turns into more. I felt she pushed Harold too hard physically on the yoga. And he has pushed too hard on everything else, from an all-day date to "come up and see my etchings" to "can I meet your family?" Good for her for remaining noncommittal. It's not like they're already a long-distance couple.  

Edited July 11, 2023 by Tuneful

[Stuckathome]

11 hours ago, Tuneful said:

Michelle with the teeth. She’s so extra.

YES! She seems to have made this "I am a strong, independent woman hear me roar" her entire persona. I am a strong, independent and educated woman too----but I don't feel the need to prove to the world (and every guy I met when I was single) by showing that I can be as crass as a man. Talking about going to a fetish convention, now saying she MUST find out if they have sexual chemistry on date 2 or else, it is done....slow down woman. In general, almost all of these people act like they are at a store or shelter picking a new pet to bring home. For some reason they think after a few dates they will have found someone that they want to spend their lives with and the feeling will be mutual and they will fly off together into the sunset. 

Stanika----I think she just wanted to go have a Stella Got her Groove back or Eat, Pray, Love experience and really doesn't expect a spouse out of this. Noredine's family seems lovely and welcoming, not scary and high pressure like the other date she went on when they ambushed her at the house. It was very sweet of his mother to lend her an outfit when they saw how uncomfortable she felt in the heat. I felt so bad for her with the milk----what is it ? Not skim milk as we think of it because she said it smelled bad. I would say in she needs to suck it up and just be polite and drink, but I don't know if I could do it either, if it really smells horrible and sitting in the heat. Sour milk with couscous? The gas in that room must be DELIGHTFUL 🤪

15 hours ago, endure said:

Is Juan the worst matchmaker in the world, or just me?  

No, he truly is the worst. I felt so bad for Nathaly when her date bailed. But, why didn't Juan give her the feedback from the guy? I mean, he just said there wasn't a connection, but I feel like with Susan's and Chad's bad dates, he had more specifics. I think he just wrote her off early on when he saw she wasn't going to bang every dude he put in front of her. In the previews, Chad's next date is stunning and talks about how she loves to spend her free time dancing and partying in clubs. WTF would Juan think that is a good match for Chad? Chad who lives in bumfuck nowhere and enjoys mowing his lawn for shits and giggles?? I think Chad's dates are professional escorts. I think it is legal in Colombia and there is no way that there are these stunning women who are single and begging to be swept away by the likes of Chad. 

 

Harold, now we are also seeing why you are single. ON top of the nerdiness, the autism, the bad physique and horrible fashion sense, as soon as he feels a "connection" with a woman he becomes a stage 5 clinger. 

[Stuckathome]

On 7/10/2023 at 8:18 PM, Tuneful said:

Susan is very mannish, and her (literally) hiding behind her dog is unfortunate.

She mentioned in this episode that she was unable to have children and that the dog has become her surrogate child. It happens to a lot of people. I did feel bad for her when the date asked her why she didn't have children---that is something that is just SO rude to ask anyone you don't know well and especially on a second date. 

[LennieBriscoe]

If one were to draw a caricature of Michelle (with Czech Baker Boy),  the exaggerated part would be her mouth. To me she is all teeth and volume. 

Harold and Michaela are Opposite Jack Sprat and his Wife: Michaela can eat no fat, and Harold can eat no lean! 

My Tivo cut out after 28 minutes, so I'll  have to catch up late tomorrow.

 

Edited July 13, 2023 by LennieBriscoe

[TwirlyGirly]

On 7/11/2023 at 8:19 AM, Stuckathome said:

I felt so bad for her with the milk----what is it ? Not skim milk as we think of it because she said it smelled bad. I would say in she needs to suck it up and just be polite and drink, but I don't know if I could do it either, if it really smells horrible and sitting in the heat. Sour milk with couscous?

I suspected it might be buttermilk based upon Noureddine's description, and I was right. Both buttermilk and cultured buttermilk - usually from goat's milk - are popular as beverages and also as an ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes in Morocco. It's called "laban".

Stanika was wrong assuming it was "spoiled milk" and that it's something Americans throw away. It's used in many recipes (from cow's milk here) and some Americans also drink it (although it's usually people who grew up drinking it -  it's an acquired taste). 

Stanika could have easily gotten out of drinking it without offending Noureddine's mother if she'd said: "I'd love to try it, but I'm lactose intolerant and can't drink dairy".*

I never tried it, but when my mother bought it to use in a recipe she'd drink the leftovers (lived through the Depression - didn't throw food away if she could help it).

I keep a can of powdered buttermilk in my fridge just in case. My favorite cake recipe, Cook's Illustrated Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake uses buttermilk and you can't make Buttermilk Pancakes/Waffles without... buttermilk! 

*Many who are lactose intolerant can drink goat's milk. Neither Noureddine nor his family probably know that, however. 

[Quof]

I have the feeling "lactose intolerance" isn't a thing in Morocco.  The same way "gluten intolerant" doesn't exist in many countries.

[HorrrGoodnight]

I really feel for Harold. I think this is the most he's heard 'yes' and the best dating experience he's had, so he's eager to lock it in. I get that he wants Michaela to know that he's serious, but how about a nice bracelet or a necklace instead of going balls to the wall?? 

[DanaMB]

I don’t see a thread for last night’s ep… I can’t stand Chad. All he cares about is looks. The girl is everything he wants. Um, all he’s said about her is how beautiful she is. I guess if that’s all he wants then she is his everything. 🙄

He’s such a dullard. He needs to meet a girl in his church since that and cutting grass seem to be all he does. But they probably aren’t hot enough for him. Ass.

And the dip in his mouth all the time is disgusting. 

Edited July 17, 2023 by DanaMB

[LennieBriscoe]

Why drink that milk? I'd bet dollars to buttermilk doughnuts that a native Moroccan (I've been to Morocco, FWIW) wouldn't hesitate to refuse food/drink here he didn't care for. 

[Stuckathome]

1 hour ago, SlutAssBitchAssHor said:

I get that he wants Michaela to know that he's serious, but how about a nice bracelet or a necklace instead of going balls to the wall?? 

That was my thought as well; and was surprised the matchmaker didn't suggest that---get her a nice piece of jewelry to remember him by and continue this long distance. He, like a lot of them on this show, had a nice meetup and has decided to lock her down as if she is an object. They are wife shopping and fail to really consider the other person's feelings, lifestyle, family, etc. I mean, maybe Michaela doesn't want to move to Bumfuck, NM and leave her spa job. 

Chad is disgusting and looks like a slob for his dates. The first one he got a little bit of a pass because he had just landed at the airport. This one....just nope. I would say maybe the holey jeans are holey by design since I do have a few pairs with gigantic rips in them that I bought that way, but he also has a hole almost worn in the back pocket from his chew can. So, they are just dusty, worn out jeans. This woman is so fake---he is not cute. In no way, shape or form would most women find Chad cute or charming, especially not a super hot woman who loves to dance and party. She is a paid actress. Or extremely, extremely desperate to leave Colombia. 

Houda has a high opinion of herself, as does Mark. I think they potentially could be a match, and I think he is sort of shocked at her backbone. I did think it was a bit odd that she gave him the ultimatum and it looks like from previews she may stand him up. 

[Tuneful]

On 7/12/2023 at 9:42 AM, Stuckathome said:

 the dog has become her surrogate child. I did feel bad for her when the date asked her why she didn't have children---that is something that is just SO rude to ask

If I wanted a real shot with a guy, I wouldn't bring my four-legged toddler on every date I go on, especially on a dating series. Only exception seems to be if she runs down to the lobby to have one drink. 

I've had more than one person from Latin American countries (only) ask me why I don't have kids. Yes, I find it offensive but I realize that to them family is huge. I just say "it's private" and change the subject. 

MIchelle was turned off by the handsome doctor not being "more confident." What does she want, another musical-theater actor? I had one for a parent and could never get a word in or have any spotlight of my own. M. needs to back off and let the other person warm up and relax at their speed. And what's with those choppers, they look like dentures or an XL bridge. My favorite closed caption this time was "[mumbles with full mouth]." (for Michelle) 

I'm glad Katarina FINALLY spoke up way late that H. didn't have to buy a ring and propose. I'd have advised him more to not overwhelm his dates and to pack a few small U.S. gifts. I respect that he works but I think he is barely scraping by, and that plus a little apt. in Los Alamos won't be what the women are looking for. Will Michaela stand him up? It wouldn't surprise me if she feels he's sweet and a friend but there's no chemistry and she doesn't want to lead him on. 

Chad is Cousin Eddie from the National Lampoon movies, except that Eddie was much more suave. Cousin Chaddie. "S****er's full!" 

Mark is the most immature 44-year-old I've ever seen and  disrespectful of cultural customs. The Ugly American. The class clown who's no longer funny.  

Glad things are going well with Stanika and Noureddine! Also, this show is so scenic. I enjoy that. 

 

 

Edited July 17, 2023 by Tuneful

[Tuneful]

20 hours ago, TwirlyGirly said:

Stanika was wrong assuming it was "spoiled milk" and that it's something Americans throw away.

She didn't show good manners, making nasty faces, etc. It was entirely possible to say "I'm not able to drink this kind of milk" or eat a little couscous and say, "It's good, but it's new to me." Sometimes you've got to keep keep a cool face on. 

Edited July 17, 2023 by Tuneful

[1011101010001]

On 7/13/2023 at 12:39 PM, LennieBriscoe said:

 

If one were to draw a caricature of Michelle (with Czech Baker Boy),  the exaggerated part would be her mouth. To me she is all teeth and volume. 

 

She looks like the love child of Kathy Bates and Natalie Merchant.

On 7/16/2023 at 9:58 PM, TwirlyGirly said:

I keep a can of powdered buttermilk in my fridge just in case. My favorite cake recipe, Cook's Illustrated Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake uses buttermilk and you can't make Buttermilk Pancakes/Waffles without... buttermilk! 

Jeni’s makes a buttermilk ice cream with swirls of peach jam and pieces of biscuit that’s pretty good.  Buttermilk is used in a lot of baking such as Bundt cakes.  I’m thinking it’s because it was unpasteurized she had the super negative reaction.  But to make a face like a toddler was super immature.  I have tasted many things I didn’t like without grimacing.

[1011101010001]

On 7/17/2023 at 6:05 AM, Quof said:

I have the feeling "lactose intolerance" isn't a thing in Morocco.  The same way "gluten intolerant" doesn't exist in many countries.

I wonder about peanut allergies and ADHD.  

On 7/17/2023 at 11:07 AM, DanaMB said:

But they probably aren’t hot enough for him.

He looks way older than 38 and is homely.  Without being able to offer a good personality or an attractive lifestyle what could anyone want from him but a green card?

[1011101010001]

On 7/17/2023 at 6:04 PM, Tuneful said:

MIchelle was turned off by the handsome doctor not being "more confident."

He was way out of her league so I think she wanted to reject him before he could reject her.

[cinsays]

29 minutes ago, MrBuhBye said:

He looks way older than 38 and is homely.  Without being able to offer a good personality or an attractive lifestyle what could anyone want from him but a green card?

if we're talking Chad, yeah, homely with nothing at all to offer and from what i have read elsewhere on social media, not a very nice guy

[TwirlyGirly]

6 hours ago, cinsays said:

if we're talking Chad, yeah, homely with nothing at all to offer and from what i have read elsewhere on social media, not a very nice guy

Links? I'm honestly curious. I couldn't find anything pertaining to this after an extensive search. (But it doesn't surprise me if true. He seems to view women as two dimensional).

[cinsays]

10 hours ago, TwirlyGirly said:

Links? I'm honestly curious. I couldn't find anything pertaining to this after an extensive search. (But it doesn't surprise me if true. He seems to view women as two dimensional).

of course, now i can't find where i saw it.........will post if i do

 

[bichonblitz]

I see nothing attractive or sweet about stringy haired Michelle. Her matches were very nice and good looking but I get the impression she thinks a whole lot of herself. Perhaps more than she should. 

Oh, Chad. Please. Like any gorgeous woman from Columbia is going to be interested in him. Aren't they in Medallin? That is one awesome city that young Americans are flocking to because of the low cost of living and the phenomenal climate. If these women are going to move to the US it better have all the glitz and glamour they imagine.

If Michaela is trying to tell Harold that she likes him very much as a friend now and wants to continue the relationship and get to know each other better to see where it goes then something is getting lost in translation.  

[1011101010001]

On 7/31/2023 at 3:53 PM, bichonblitz said:

 

I see nothing attractive or sweet about stringy haired Michelle. Her matches were very nice and good looking but I get the impression she thinks a whole lot of herself. Perhaps more than she should. 

 

I bet when her friends tell her she is a queen and any man would be lucky to have her she believes it.