JEALOUS, FIERCLY PROTECTIVE & TERRITORIAL PROMPTS

Writing with Color: Description Guide - Words for Skin Tone

We discussed the issue of describing People of Color by means of food in Part I of this guide, which brought rise to even more questions, mostly along the lines of “So, if food’s not an option, what can I use?” Well, I was just getting to that!

This final portion focuses on describing skin tone, with photo and passage examples provided throughout. I hope to cover everything from the use of straight-forward description to the more creatively-inclined, keeping in mind the questions we’ve received on this topic.

So let’s get to it.

S T A N D A R D  D E S C R I P T I O N

B a s i c  C o l o r s

Pictured above: Black, Brown, Beige, White, Pink.

“She had brown skin.”

This is a perfectly fine description that, while not providing the most detail, works well and will never become cliché.

Describing characters’ skin as simply brown or beige works on its own, though it’s not particularly telling just from the range in brown alone.

C o m p l e x  C o l o r s

These are more rarely used words that actually “mean” their color. Some of these have multiple meanings, so you’ll want to look into those to determine what other associations a word might have.

Pictured above: Umber, Sepia, Ochre, Russet, Terra-cotta, Gold, Tawny, Taupe, Khaki, Fawn.

Complex colors work well alone, though often pair well with a basic color in regards to narrowing down shade/tone.

For example: Golden brown, russet brown, tawny beige…

As some of these are on the “rare” side, sliding in a definition of the word within the sentence itself may help readers who are unfamiliar with the term visualize the color without seeking a dictionary.

“He was tall and slim, his skin a russet, reddish-brown.”

Comparisons to familiar colors or visuals are also helpful:

“His skin was an ochre color, much like the mellow-brown light that bathed the forest.”

M o d i f i e r s 

Modifiers, often adjectives, make partial changes to a word.The following words are descriptors in reference to skin tone.

D a r k - D e e p - R i c h - C o o l

W a r m - M e d i u m - T a n

F a i r - L i g h t - P a l e

Rich Black, Dark brown, Warm beige, Pale pink…

If you’re looking to get more specific than “brown,” modifiers narrow down shade further.

Keep in mind that these modifiers are not exactly colors.

As an already brown-skinned person, I get tan from a lot of sun and resultingly become a darker, deeper brown. I turn a pale, more yellow-brown in the winter.

While best used in combination with a color, I suppose words like “tan” “fair” and “light” do work alone; I’d just note that tan is less likely to be taken for “naturally tan” and much more likely a tanned white person.

Calling someone “dark” as description on its own is offensive to some and also ambiguous. (See: Describing Skin as Dark)

U n d e r t o n e s

Undertones are the colors beneath the skin, seeing as skin isn’t just one even color but has more subdued tones within the dominating palette.

Mentioning the undertones within a character’s skin is an even more precise way to denote skin tone.

As shown, there’s a difference between say, brown skin with warm orange-red undertones (Kelly Rowland) and brown skin with cool, jewel undertones (Rutina Wesley).

“A dazzling smile revealed the bronze glow at her cheeks.”

“He always looked as if he’d ran a mile, a constant tinge of pink under his tawny skin.”

Standard Description Passage

“Farah’s skin, always fawn, had burned and freckled under the summer’s sun. Even at the cusp of autumn, an uneven tan clung to her skin like burrs. So unlike the smooth, red-brown ochre of her mother, which the sun had richened to a blessing.” 

-From my story “Where Summer Ends” featured in Strange Little Girls

Here the state of skin also gives insight on character.

Note my use of “fawn” in regards to multiple meaning and association. While fawn is a color, it’s also a small, timid deer, which describes this very traumatized character of mine perfectly.

Though I use standard descriptions of skin tone more in my writing, at the same time I’m no stranger to creative descriptions, and do enjoy the occasional artsy detail of a character.

C R E A T I V E  D E S C R I P T I O N

Whether compared to night-cast rivers or day’s first light…I actually enjoy seeing Characters of Colors dressed in artful detail.

I’ve read loads of descriptions in my day of white characters and their “smooth rose-tinged ivory skin”, while the PoC, if there, are reduced to something from a candy bowl or a Starbucks drink, so to actually read of PoC described in lavish detail can be somewhat of a treat.

Still, be mindful when you get creative with your character descriptions. Too many frills can become purple-prose-like, so do what feels right for your writing when and where. Not every character or scene warrants a creative description, either. Especially if they’re not even a secondary character.

Using a combination of color descriptions from standard to creative is probably a better method than straight-up creative. But again, do what’s good for your tale.

N A T U R AL  S E T T I N G S - S K Y

Pictured above: Harvest Moon -Twilight, Fall/Autumn Leaves, Clay, Desert/Sahara, Sunlight - Sunrise - Sunset - Afterglow - Dawn- Day- Daybreak, Field - Prairie - Wheat, Mountain/Cliff, Beach/Sand/Straw/Hay.

Now before you run off to compare your heroine’s skin to the harvest moon or a cliff side, think about the associations to your words.

When I think cliff, I think of jagged, perilous, rough. I hear sand and picture grainy, yet smooth. Calm. mellow.

So consider your character and what you see fit to compare them to.

Also consider whose perspective you’re describing them from. Someone describing a person they revere or admire may have a more pleasant, loftier description than someone who can’t stand said person.

“Her face was like the fire-gold glow of dawn, lifting my gaze, drawing me in.”

“She had a sandy complexion, smooth and tawny.”

Even creative descriptions tend to draw help from your standard words.

F L O W E R S

Pictured above: Calla lilies, Western Coneflower, Hazel Fay, Hibiscus, Freesia, Rose

It was a bit difficult to find flowers to my liking that didn’t have a 20 character name or wasn’t called something like “chocolate silk” so these are the finalists. 

You’ll definitely want to avoid purple-prose here.

Also be aware of flowers that most might’ve never heard of. Roses are easy, as most know the look and coloring(s) of this plant. But Western coneflowers? Calla lilies? Maybe not so much.

“He entered the cottage in a huff, cheeks a blushing brown like the flowers Nana planted right under my window. Hazel Fay she called them, was it?”

A S S O R T E D  P L A N T S &  N A T U R E

Pictured above: Cattails, Seashell, Driftwood, Pinecone, Acorn, Amber

These ones are kinda odd. Perhaps because I’ve never seen these in comparison to skin tone, With the exception of amber.

At least they’re common enough that most may have an idea what you’re talking about at the mention of “pinecone.“ 

I suggest reading out your sentences aloud to get a better feel of how it’ll sounds.

“Auburn hair swept past pointed ears, set around a face like an acorn both in shape and shade.”

I pictured some tree-dwelling being or person from a fantasy world in this example, which makes the comparison more appropriate.

I don’t suggest using a comparison just “’cuz you can” but actually being thoughtful about what you’re comparing your character to and how it applies to your character and/or setting.

W O O D

Pictured above: Mahogany, Walnut, Chestnut, Golden Oak, Ash

Wood is definitely an iffy description for skin tone. Not only due to several of them having “foody” terminology within their names, but again, associations.

Some people would prefer not to compare/be compared to wood at all, so get opinions, try it aloud, and make sure it’s appropriate to the character if you do use it.

“The old warlock’s skin was a deep shade of mahogany, his stare serious and firm as it held mine.”

M E T A L S

Pictured above: Platinum, Copper, Brass, Gold, Bronze

Copper skin, brass-colored skin, golden skin…

I’ve even heard variations of these used before by comparison to an object of the same properties/coloring, such as penny for copper.

These also work well with modifiers.

“The dress of fine white silks popped against the deep bronze of her skin.”

G E M S T O N E S - M I N E R A LS

Pictured above: Onyx, Obsidian, Sard, Topaz, Carnelian, Smoky Quartz, Rutile, Pyrite, Citrine, Gypsum

These are trickier to use. As with some complex colors, the writer will have to get us to understand what most of these look like.

If you use these, or any more rare description, consider if it actually “fits” the book or scene.

Even if you’re able to get us to picture what “rutile” looks like, why are you using this description as opposed to something else? Have that answer for yourself.

“His skin reminded her of the topaz ring her father wore at his finger, a gleaming stone of brown, mellow facades.” 

P H Y S I C A L  D E S C R I P T I ON

Physical character description can be more than skin tone.

Show us hair, eyes, noses, mouth, hands…body posture, body shape, skin texture… though not necessarily all of those nor at once.

Describing features also helps indicate race, especially if your character has some traits common within the race they are, such as Afro hair to a Black character.

How comprehensive you decide to get is up to you. I wouldn’t overdo it and get specific to every mole and birthmark. Noting defining characteristics is good, though, like slightly spaced front teeth, curls that stay flopping in their face, hands freckled with sunspots…

G E N E R A L  T I P S

Indicate Race Early: I suggest indicators of race be made at the earliest convenience within the writing, with more hints threaded throughout here and there.

Get Creative All On Your Own: Obviously, I couldn’t cover every proper color or comparison in which has been “approved” to use for your characters’ skin color, so it’s up to you to use discretion when seeking other ways and shades to describe skin tone.

Skin Color May Not Be Enough: Describing skin tone isn’t always enough to indicate someone’s ethnicity. As timeless cases with readers equating brown to “dark white” or something, more indicators of race may be needed.

Describe White characters and PoC Alike: You should describe the race and/or skin tone of your White characters just as you do your Characters of Color. If you don’t, you risk implying that White is the default human being and PoC are the “Other”).

PSA: Don’t use “Colored.” Based on some asks we’ve received using this word, I’d like to say that unless you or your character is a racist grandmama from the 1960s, do not call People of Color “colored” please. 

Not Sure Where to Start? You really can’t go wrong using basic colors for your skin descriptions. It’s actually what many people prefer and works best for most writing. Personally, I tend to describe my characters using a combo of basic colors + modifiers, with mentions of undertones at times. I do like to veer into more creative descriptions on occasion.

Want some alternatives to “skin” or “skin color”? Try: Appearance, blend, blush, cast, coloring, complexion, flush, glow, hue, overtone, palette, pigmentation, rinse, shade, sheen, spectrum, tinge, tint, tone, undertone, value, wash.

Skin Tone Resources

List of Color Names

The Color Thesaurus

Things that are Brown (blog)

Skin Undertone & Color Matching

Tips and Words on Describing Skin

Photos: Undertones Described (Modifiers included)

Online Thesaurus (try colors, such as “red” & “brown”)

Don’t Call me Pastries: Creative Skin Tones w/ pics 3 2 1

Writing & Description Guides

WWC Guide: Words to Describe Hair

Writing with Color: Description & Skin Color

Describing Characters of Color (Passage Examples)

7 Offensive Mistakes Well-intentioned Writers Make

I tried to be as comprehensive as possible with this guide, but if you have a question regarding describing skin color that hasn’t been answered within part I or II of this guide, or have more questions after reading this post, feel free to ask!

~ Mod Colette

UNREQUITED,  FALSE ASSUMPTIONS  &  PINING  PROMPTS 

TO EACH OTHER

❝  i love you.  and i know you don’t feel that way about me and that’s okay i just.  i wanted to get to say it at least once.  ❞

❝  what are you talking about—   of course i love you?  ❞

❝  but i do love you.  i always have.  i just thought you didn’t feel that way so i never said anything.  ❞

❝  look i…i do care about you.  a lot.  and i wish i could love you that way.  i really do but i just,  i’ve never seen you like that.  ❞ 

❝  …you love me?  ❞ 

❝  why didn’t you ever say anything?  ❞

❝  i did!  i loved you.  and i thought you didn’t feel that way so i moved on.  i’m with someone now.  why…why did you wait so long?  ❞

❝  why did you wait so long to tell me how you feel?  ❞

❝  i love you!   okay?  i’ve been so fucking in love with you for longer than i can remember.  ❞

❝  you should have told me how you felt.  ❞

❝  actually i…there was a little while there where i had this horrible crush on you.  if i’d known this was how you were feeling i would’ve gone for it.  ❞

❝  please don’t say it.  i know you don’t love me.  i don’t expect you to,  but just.  don’t make me have to hear you say it.  ❞

❝  i’ve loved you for so long…i don’t remember what it was like to not be in love with you.  ❞

❝  i can’t say no to you.  and it’s just not fair.  ❞

❝  please,  don’t be cruel.  i love you.  like really love you.  so if i’m just some passing curiosity for you…don’t.  don’t say anything at all. ❞

❝  you don’t get it.  i want the whole package with you. i don’t wanna be some fling you forget about in a few months.  ❞

❝  do you know how long i’ve waited for you?  ❞

❝  i don’t need you to love me back.  i just want you to be able to accept that this is how i feel.  ❞

❝  why did you think i wouldn’t love you back?  ❞

❝  will you just slow down a minute!  i’m trying to tell you i love you too.  ❞

❝  i wouldn’t have been messing around with anyone else if i knew about this sooner.  ❞

❝  will you stop crying so i can kiss you already?  ❞

❝  honestly i’d never thought about it…i just need time to think it over.  ❞

❝  i hadn’t ever taken the time to think about it.  but…that doesn’t mean i couldn’t love you.  ❞

❝  i just need to know.  do you love me?  or have i just been making this all in my head?  ❞

❝  i love you.  please don’t say anything yet.  you don’t need to say anything. ❞

❝  no—  they weren’t lying.  i do.  i love you.  but i didn’t want you to find out like that.  i didn’t want you find out at all,  actually.  ❞

❝  look can you just forget about it?  okay?  yeah i’m in love with you.  big deal.  it happens.  ❞

❝  yes i love you.  i’ll get over it.  ❞

❝  are you…are you really over me?  cause,  that’d actually really suck because i’m not over you.  ❞

❝  look,  i know you love me.  but you shouldn’t.  ❞

❝  you are far too good to love someone like me.  you’ll find someone better.  ❞

TO/FROM A THIRD PARTY

❝  if that’s how you feel about them why not just say it?  take a chance.  wouldn’t you rather know one way or the other?  ❞

❝  this whole time i didn’t see them…i didn’t see what was right in front of me and now it might be too late.   ❞

❝  i love them so much it hurts.  ❞

❝  love shouldn’t hurt this much.  this whole thing is just consuming you in a way that isn’t healthy.  ❞

❝  you either need to make a move or let them go.  ❞

❝  this isn’t good for you.  you can’t keep pouring yourself into someone who doesn’t even know you exist.  ❞

❝  you do see how they look at you,  right?  ❞

❝  don’t you realize they’ve been in love with you for years?  ❞

❝  they love you,  dumbass.  ❞

❝  look i’m so fed up with everyone knowing you two love each other except you.  go kiss them or shut the fuck up about it.  ❞

❝  just take a chance.  you might be surprised.  ❞

ACTIONS/SCENARIOS

[ CONFESSION ]  for sender to interrupt receiver’s confession of love by kissing them. 

[ CONFESSED ]  for receiver to interrupt sender’s confession of love by kissing them. 

[ STOP ]  for sender to try and walk away,  afraid they’re going to get their heart broken but receiver grabs their wrist and pulls them back in for a kiss. 

[ STOPPING ]  for receiver to try and walk away,  afraid they’re going to get their heart broken but sender grabs their wrist and pulls them back in for a kiss. 

[ CONFRONTING ]  for receiver to confront sender after a third party told receiver that sender is in love with them. 

[ DRAMATICS ]  for a near death experience to drive receiver to confess their feelings to sender. 

[ SEE ]  for receiver to be hurt and realize sender loves them because of the way they’re taking care of them. 

[ EAVESDROP ]  for receiver to overhear a conversation where sender talks about their feelings for them. 

[ HUSH ]  for sender to ramble about their feelings and how they know it isn’t requited only for receiver to put a hand over their mouth so they’ll be quiet long enough for them to explain they love them too. 

[ AWAKEN ]  for receiver to not think they feel the same way but realize after a simple hookup with sender that they’re in love with them to. 

[ CASUAL ]  for sender to want to sleep with receiver to get it out of their system.  but receiver winds up catching feelings to because of it. 

[ TENSION ]  for muses who have been pining for each other to finally have sex for the first time. 

[ BREAK ]  sender can’t take it anymore and kisses receiver out of nowhere. 

[ FREE ]  receiver can’t take it anymore and kisses sender out of nowhere. 

[ TRY ]  sender has confessed their feelings and receiver tries kissing them to see how they feel.  

[ TRYING ]  receiver has confessed their feelings and sender tries kissing them to see how they feel. 

Smut prompts II

" Do it slowly..."

" I know what you like .

"You know exactly what I want ."

"Ready for me ?/ it ? "

"I feel so sensitive ...ah - !"

" Faster... please ..."

" Bedroom . Now ."

" How can I resist you when you look like that ?

" I wore it just for you ~"

" No...let's continue. "

"I'm not letting you sleep tonight. "

" You deserve to be loved. Every inch of your body deserves to be loved."

" I'd rather explore you "

"mmh..it's so tempting..."

"You like it don't you ? "

" Bring what you wore last time "

" Damnit! Now I'm excited again ."

" Stop . You're turning me on."

" Does that turn you on ?"

" I want you so bad . I can't hold back anymore"

" You're not allowed to make a sound."

" Time for your punishment , kitty "

"You can do all sort of things to me. "

" Don't stop . Did I tell you to stop ?"

" I - I ...don't think I can hold back anymore..."

" I'll be gentle . I promise. "

" Haha, You're so cute when you're nervous ."

" I want to hear you, baby".

" I bought this just for you ~"

" Should I take off your shirt ?"

" I'm literally holding back from ripping that dress off your body "

" You're so hot , baby "

" Are you trying to seduce me ?"

" I miss the feel of your body against mine. "

" Don't tempt me . I'm already finding it hard to hold back. "

10 More Domestic Dialogue Prompts

1. “Hey, how was work- woah why are you crying? Come sit, talk to me, love…” 

2. “I swear every time you clean I can never find anything..” 

3. “Smells good in here! What are you making?” 

4. “Did we put our jacket in the wash load?” “Our jacket?” “You wear it just as much as I do at this point so..” 

5. “It’s been two days since you’ve moved in and you’ve already nearly burned the house down…step away from the stove.” 

6. “I don’t think I like this color very much…maybe a lighter shade will do?” “You couldn’t have said this before we painted half the room?” 

7. “Let me brush your hair while you finish that up, that way you can get two things done at once.” 

8. “I’m starting to think you’re breaking the dishes on purpose so that I’ll stop asking you to wash them.” 

9. “I’m tired, let’s go on the couch and watch a movie.” 

10. “Halloween is a month away…what are you doing?” “It’s never too early to start decorating!” 

Random dialogue prompts.

" Hey , look at me ... You're okay. It's going to be alright. "

" Can't you trust me just this once ?"

" I -It hurts... Everything hurts- ."

" Oh yeah ? Why don't you come here and say it to my face "

" You have five seconds to run before I slit your throat "

" Don't test me, love . Patience isn't my biggest strength "

" Hurt her again and I'm gonna harvest your balls !"

" Say it one more time. I dare you "

"Aww... That touched my stone cold heart "

"Baby , I love you ...but if you fart one more time - "

" I'm sexy and I hate it ...~"

" I can't breathe. I can't -"

" Am I crazy if I say I can't get enough of you ?"

" We shouldn't do this here . Someone might see ..."

" I want to love every part of you . Just let me love you .. "

" look me in the eyes and say it " " Don't Tell me you don't feel the same "

" Aww... You're so good to me. "

" Shut up and get out of my sight ! "

" Did you even love me ?"

" Why do you care now ?! You never did before !"

" I can't love you..."

" I despise you ! . I despise you with every fiber of my being! "

" Wow . For once you actually said something sensible "

" I can't stop thinking about that kiss "

" Wow...! So that's how a plant looks like. It's so ... green."

" Did I even matter to you huh ?"

" You're not allowed to kiss me "

" leave me alone . I'm not talking to you anymore"

" I bet he banged you senseless right ?"

" oh my gosh. Did I say that aloud ?"

Seduction Starters

A mix of actions that focus on the seduction/pinning. Inspiration taken from an array of different memes to put them all together in this one. Feel free to mix prompts to make more specific ones or if reverse them.

send in one of these for my muse’s (RECEIVER) reaction to your muse (SENDER) …

( DOOR ) opening the door for mine to pass.

( STARE ) longingly staring at mine from across the room.

( WATCH ) watching mine while drinking their beverage.

( TOUCH ) “accidentally” briefly touching mine. (example: brief hand touch, knee under the table)

( HOLD ) holding mine’s hand.

( HAND ) kissing mine’s hand.

( GIFT ) giving mine a gift. (example: flowers, jewellery)

( FLOWER ) putting a flower in mine’s hair.

( LETTER ) sending mine a love letter.

( LOCK ) offering my muse a lock of their hair.

( LEAN ) leaning against mine’s side.

( FIX ) fixing or straightening my mine’s clothes.

( DANCE ) leaning in closer while they are slow dancing with mine.

( COMPLIMENT ) complimenting mine.

( STAR ) staring at mine instead of the stares while stargazing.

( PLAY ) playing with mine’s hair.

( BRUSH ) brushing mine’s hair.

( LIP ) biting or licking their lower lip.

( SING ) singing to mine.

( GRAZE ) grazing mine’s shoulders with their fingers.

( BECKON ) beckoning to follow them.

( SLIDE ) sliding down their hand down mine’s back.

( CHIN ) grabbing mine’s chin.

( SILENCE ) silencing mine’s by pressing their finger on mine’s lips.

( PUSH ) pushing against the wall. (example: rough or soft pushing against wall)

( SIT ) sitting on their lap.

( HIP ) pulling mine by the hips.

( FACE ) stroking mine’s face.

( HOVER ) hovering their lips over mine’s.

( NECK ) kissing mine’s neck.

( GRIP ) holding mine by the back of the neck.

( SURPRISE ) being found without an article of clothing (example: being found shirtless)

( SECRET ) arriving where they both agreed to meet in secret in the dead of night.

Dialogue prompt !

A : walks in nude.

B : sees A and flustered/ panics , turning around . OMG !! What are doing ?! Why are you walking around like that ?!!

A: oh , this ? I'm wearing my porn suit. ( Replying unfazed )

B: your what - YOU'RE NAKED !!?!!

A: Exactly.

* Based on a traumatic true story...*

Soft touch prompts

Those types of touches that are feather-like and make you feel tingly in a good way. Touches like:

Face

The soft caress of your lips after the very first kiss.

Caress to the cheek after a moment together.

Gentle wipe of your spilled tears after heavy arguments, a simple gesture that shows you how sorry they are for making you shed sad tears instead of happy ones.

Gentle wipe of dirt on your cheek after enjoying your food too much.

Chin lift to make you look directly at their eyes that just make you follow aimlessly and without much force really. (bonus if they kiss afterward)

When they hold your face in their hands and just look into your eyes and just hold the other softly.

When they lightly wipe the blood off your lip from bitting it too often and softly "kiss it better"

Helping you gently put your earring on and tuck a hair behind your ear to inspect how the accessory looks beautiful on you with or without them.

Helping you put your necklace on and sneak a quick kiss on your neck before complimenting you.

Softly pulling your hair back after being food poisoned.

Worriedly inspecting your temperature after noticing your lack of mood and giving you a chaste kiss on the forehead.

Hands/Arms

Soft hand touches with a light comforting squeeze that instantly assures you they're there.

Softly massaging your hands when you ask them politely.

Loosely holding your hand while you watch and walk around on your date.

Cradling your cut finger after an incident with the knife and tending to your wound with a kiss afterward.

Caressing the back of your hand absentmindedly.

Softly toying with your ring and wondering when they'll get to replace it with a wedding ring.

Softly running their hands on your arms and feeling how cold to the touch your skin is before wrapping you in a hug to share their warmth.

Softly pulling your wrist to pull you closer to them.

softly intertwining your fingers together to hold your hand or twirl you in the middle of the night dance session.

Edit: holy heck guys!!! Thank you all so much for the notes and reblogs!!! I didn't expect this to get this much attention!!! Love you guys!!! 🥰🥰🥰

Person A: “Did none of you, think this was a bad idea?!”

Person B: “Oh no, we all did. We just decided to do it anyway.”

Disastrous date ideas

Something happens that upsets one of the characters and they come to the date feeling angry/upset/ crying.

One of them confesses that they don't love or have any feelings for the other.

They break up during the date.

Someone else your character likes comes to the same place with their date and your character gets jealous

One of them dumps the other during the date

Friends of your character comes to the same place and tease or watch your characters from another table

Your characters make a reservation but when they arrive they're informed there are no free tables.

One of your character creates a romantic setting and cooks meals but unknown to them, the other dislikes the food or is allergic to it.

One of your characters knocks down a drink and it spills.

One of your character is served meal they hate.

Character finds out something horrible about the other that hurts them.

Chr A unintentionally takes Chr B to their workplace

Another character ruins the date. ( An enemy / ex etc)

Chr A gets a panic attack or traumatic flashback from a triggered memory

Someone who wronged or hurt one of the characters in the past sees them

A fight breaks out between two characters.

Chr A calls B the wrong name.

Characters find something disgusting in their food.

A bird poops on one of the characters

They're attacked by insects.

Chr A takes B to a place they dislike.

Chr A realizes B prefers going out with another person.

Chr A learns something disappointed about B.

A new waiteress mixes their orders or spills their food/ drink on one of them

Characters start arguing and one of them hurts the other's feelings.

The weather is awful the whole time.

Characters arrive at the place of their date only to find out it's closed.

One of the characters is stood up unintentionally.

An ex makes an appearance.

Something one of them eats sets off an allergy.

The whole time, one of them doesn't realize it's supposed to be a date.