The English singer-songwriter Kate Nash, who is well-known for her honest lyrics and oddball sense of humor, told a memorable story about a bad date in Los Angeles. She talks about going on a date with someone she didn't particularly like in this story. The person only showed off by taking her to different hip places in the city, rather than taking the time to get to know her.
This story illustrates a typical dating mistake: putting too much effort into impressing someone instead of establishing a genuine connection. It's similar to planting seeds in a garden and being so preoccupied with ensuring that they receive precisely the correct amount of sunlight and water that you neglect to cultivate the relationship itself. Presenting your best self is important, but making elaborate gestures or trying to make an impression right away can often backfire.
In Nash's experience, the date consisted more of corny attempts to win her over than genuine conversations. Many people have experienced similar circumstances where charm and effort override sincere connection and communication, which is why this story speaks to them. When getting to know someone new, the lesson here is to value genuineness over ostentatious displays of interest.