Should you charge a cancellation fee if your date doesn’t show up? On her Mad’s World podcast, Maddy Carty considered asking men to pay a deposit before a first date, refundable if they show up. Her friend Natalie proposed a separate rule: charge a fee when someone cancels within 24 hours. These were ideas discussed on a podcast—not a fee system Carty was reported to operate.
What did Maddy Carty propose?
In a discussion with her friend Natalie about last-minute date cancellations, Carty suggested a deposit paid before the date and returned if the man attends. Under her proposal, a man who cancels at the last minute would lose the deposit. Natalie’s suggestion was a cancellation fee for cancelling within 24 hours; the report does not describe that as Carty’s deposit rule.
The proposals came amid a conversation about the time and expense of getting ready. Natalie mentioned exfoliating and re-tanning. Carty estimated that preparation, makeup and beauty products could add up to $300. That is Carty’s estimate as reported by PerthNow, not an independently measured or typical cost.
Why did she say last-minute cancellations matter?
Carty described cancellations as becoming more common, but the PerthNow report provides no survey or trend data to establish that. She also said cancelling on the day was rude unless the person was unwell or dealing with a genuine emergency: “People can be lazy and disrespectful of other people’s time; cancelling on the day of a date unless you’re unwell or it’s a real emergency is just rude,” she argued.
#1 Best Overall
- INSPIRE QUALITY TIME: Every question in this set is a chance to learn something new about the people in your life, whether they are a friend, family member, coworker, or roommate.
- CONNECT AND RECONNECT: Use this conversation-starter game to explore fun and thought-provoking questions you would not ordinarily ask.
- RETURN TO THE QUESTIONS AGAIN AND AGAIN: With these 52 conversation starters, you can go as deep or as light as you’d like, then revisit the questions over time and see how your answers change.
- START INTERGENERATIONAL CONVERSATIONS: The questions will help you spark conversations and connect across generations, whether you’re looking to engage with your teenager over dinner or learn more about Grandma during a holiday gathering.
- CREATE FUN-FILLED MEMORIES: This is perfect for road trips, dinner parties, or game nights and makes it easy to start up a discussion with just about anyone!
Is a deposit the same as a cancellation fee?
Not exactly. A deposit is paid in advance and, in Carty’s suggestion, returned when the date happens. A cancellation fee, as Natalie described it, would apply when someone cancels within a specified window—24 hours. Neither proposal was presented as an established dating norm or policy.
What remains unanswered?
The report presents the ideas as a debate, not a tested solution. It does not establish how a deposit would be collected or returned, how exceptions for illness or emergencies would work, or whether a fee would reduce cancellations or create new disputes. Those practical and fairness questions are open; the podcast discussion does not provide evidence about their outcomes.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WE’RE NOT REALLY STRANGERS is a purpose driven card game all about empowering meaningful connections & relationships. Three carefully crafted levels of conversation cards & wildcards for adults & teens who love games. Perfect for game nights & parties.
- PERCEPTION - Do you know how others see you? In Level 1, players gain perspective on what first impressions they give off & challenge the assumptions they make about others. Meaningful conversations with strangers, friends & families starts here.
- CONNECTION - Who are you, really? Level 2 is full of rarely asked questions that help you connect on a deeper level with your friends, family, or partner, making game night or date night the best night of the week.
- REFLECTION - In Level 3, all players reflect on what they’ve learned about each other and themselves from having such funny, honest, and thoughtful conversations together. This game night gem is the perfect catalyst for endless fun & bonding.
- WHAT’S INSIDE - 150 conversation cards and wildcards, WNRS notepad, 2 pencils, and 2 Transparent “Dig Deeper” cards, which are meant to encourage players to open up even more. For 2-6 players Ages 15+. Warning: feelings may arise.
Rank #4
- JUMPSTART NOSTALGIC MEMORIES: This cute, compact tin is filled with 50 thoughtful and playful questions to inspire great family conversations.
- PERFECT FOR FAMILIES: With a wide range of intriguing questions about the past, present, and future, this family-friendly party game leads to interesting conversations.
- FACILITATES BONDING: These cards make it easy to break the ice at the next family dinner and learn new things about each other.
- EASILY PORTABLE: The petite tins are the perfect size to throw in your bag or luggage for a vacation.
- EXPLORE THE ENTIRE SERIES: This game is part of the After Dinner Amusements series, a collection of tiny tins filled with prompts for lively conversation, trivia, icebreakers, and endless laughs.
Rank #3
- 𝐅𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 – Unlock meaningful relationships with 170 thought-provoking question deck of cards. Break down communication barriers, spark openness, and encourage vulnerability with friends, family, coworkers, and loved ones through stimulating, relationship-building conversations with icebreaker card games.
- 𝐒𝐢𝐱 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 – Featuring Courage, Beliefs, Life Lessons, Self-Awareness, Dreams, and Exposed. Perfect for family games, each category is designed to elevate deep conversations, strengthen connections, and create opportunities for personal growth and deeper understanding.
- 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 – Enhance your ability to connect with others using powerful prompts. These conversation cards for families and deck cards encourage thoughtful discussions, strengthen personal and professional bonds, and inspire confidence in navigating meaningful conversations with loved ones and colleagues alike.
- 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – Transform predictable chats into moments of insight and discovery. Explore topics like courage, self-love, and life lessons, making every conversation an opportunity for personal growth and deeper understanding at dates, gatherings, or events.
- 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 – This deck makes a thoughtful gift for anyone looking to deepen relationships. Whether for personal growth or professional use, it’s an excellent tool for creating joyful, enriching interactions and meaningful communication in every area of life.
Rank #2
- Sample Questions: Would you rather age forward or backward from this point? What would you try if you had no fear? If you could push a button and eliminate all social media, would you push it?
- What You Get: 135 sturdy cards with printed questions held in a stylish, clear cube container.
- When to Use: Dinner parties, cocktail parties, everyday conversations, business events, team meetings, one-on-one or in large groups
- Ideal For: Adults, friends, new acquaintances, parents, in-laws, hosts, and coworkers will all enjoy playing TableTopics Original.
- Gifting: A thoughtful gift for hosts, birthdays, holidays, housewarmings, and corporate gifts.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
