To think this "joke" might backfire?

[Greatcurry]

A friend is taking me as his "partner" to a formal dinner dance. It will he fun and I'm looking forward to it.

He's a nice man, but not known for his prowess with women, and there has been much interest in who he's bringing.

He's told them it's a "hot blonde", intelligent, funny and fit. I'll take the compliment, but in reality I'm a middle aged mum who does a bit of running.

I feel like I've been overbilled....and I'm definitely not his partner.

Oh just go with it. I’m sure they are aware you are just his plus one.

Sounds like he's playing on the joke of him not actually having a partner, while also complimenting you.

Are you blonde? Everything else is simply a matter of opinion

Well, if a natural mousy blonde counts 😆

If he thinks you're hot and you are blonde then this is fine. If not and he's taking the piss then thats quite nasty actually

He is taking the piss, but I think out of himself.

I'm don't know if I'm "hot" but I'm in decent condition for my age. He's quite a bit younger.

It sounds a bit of a strange joke for an adult to play, pretending his female friend is his partner?
To what ends? Is he trying to hide his sexuality? Did he lie to his mates he's got a girlfriend?
You say he's got a reputation with women which makes it seem all the more daft?
Just go along but make it clear your just mates if asked. Tell him you won't be play acting! Being treated like an accessory, being described in a male gaze manner that already sets it up to Lok weird as you don't look that way?
There's no reason for you to participate in his awkward charade.

No, he doesn't have a reputation with women, he has a reputation for not getting women. I like him as a friend, nothing else.

I doubt he's gay, I occasionally "partner" other friends where it wouldn't surprise me, but not this one. I think he's invited me because he thinks I'll enjoy it (which I will) and it's a bonus that he gets to wind people up about who he's bringing. He won't pretend we're partners on the night.

I didnt think it was all male gaze oriented actually. Intelligent, funny, fit (by which he means physically strong)?

I read this as a humourous, well-intentioned bit of British male (prob) self-deprecation. Go, have a laugh and enjoy the joke together.

Yes, I think that's what it is. I'm just a bit concerned about how it might be received.

Yes, same here. Presumably the others know him well enough to also know that and take the joke in the way it’s intended.

🤣 I'm a single woman in her 50s who has a good life with a great mixed group of funny and intelligent friends, who invite me to go places. Is that what you mean?

Blimey 😳

He's a nice man, but not known for his prowess with women, and there has been much interest in who he's bringing.

You could have a fine old comedy time. When I first started in the working world, I was at a work dinner with a similar situation - the man turned up with a woman who was very attractive. Too attractive for him. The senior people spent the whole time gossping about how she had to be an escort.

Enjoy yourself and play up to it all!

I’d go, scrub up well and be all over him like a rash - drop hints that he’s a stallion too 🤣

When you meet them, make a joke that the hot blonde couldn’t make it 🤣