Blind date- ‘Barbecue and ribs are not the most demure food to eat on a first date’

**Interview with Lauren, 26, Charity Program Manager**
**Date: October 5, 2024**

**Q: What were you hoping for on this date?**
I was really looking forward to a fun outing with someone who was kind, funny, and had a warm personality.

**Q: What were your first impressions of Ben?**
He definitely stood out with his style. He wore a colorful floral shirt, some cool glasses, and had metallic teal nail polish that really caught my eye.

**Q: What topics did you discuss?**
We talked about a range of things, including our music preferences, favorite comedians, hobbies, and sports.

**Q: Did you have any awkward moments?**
Yes, I was taken aback by his views on food. He said he was flexible about where to eat as long as it didn’t make him sick, which is pretty much the opposite of how I feel about dining out.

**Q: How were his table manners?**
Eating barbecue and ribs on a first date isn’t the easiest, but he managed it quite well.

**Q: What was the best thing about Ben?**
I found him really chatty and outgoing. He asked a lot of questions, which I appreciated, and I liked how passionate he is about sports like baseball, softball, and tennis.

**Q: Would you introduce Ben to your friends?**
I’m not entirely sure. I think he might click with some of them, but not with everyone.

**Q: How would you describe Ben in three words?**
Outgoing, forthright, and stylish.

**Q: What do you think Ben thought of you?**
I believe he would say we had a nice time, but he might agree that we weren’t quite the right match for each other.

**Q: Did you go anywhere else after the date?**
Ben seemed a bit rushed to return to his evening plans, so we didn’t continue elsewhere.

**Q: Did you share a kiss?**
No, we just exchanged a quick hug when we said goodbye.

**Q: If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?**
It would have been great to enjoy the brewery courtyard without the rain pouring down.

**Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the date?**
I would give it a 6.

**Q: Would you want to meet again?**
Ben felt a bit young for me, and our lifestyles didn’t align perfectly. I had a nice time, though, and I’m okay leaving it as it is.

—

**Interview with Ben, 24, Pricing Analyst**
**Date: October 5, 2024**

**Q: What were you hoping for on this date?**
I was looking forward to a fun afternoon with a nice woman at a restaurant I hadn’t tried before.

**Q: What were your first impressions of Lauren?**
She was really pretty and brought such warm energy to an otherwise dreary afternoon.

**Q: What topics did you discuss?**
We covered a lot, including our childhoods, how we like to spend our free time, and our work lives.

**Q: Did you experience any awkward moments?**
Yeah, it was a little awkward at first because they seated us separately. I had to confirm with the staff that Lauren was actually my date to avoid approaching the wrong person.

**Q: How were Lauren’s table manners?**
They were good. I noticed she seemed a bit nervous about spilling her burger, which I thought was pretty cute.

**Q: What was the best thing about Lauren?**
She was genuinely easy to talk to, which made our conversation enjoyable and relaxed.

**Q: Would you introduce Lauren to your friends?**
Absolutely! I have no doubts about that.

**Q: How would you describe Lauren in three words?**
Insightful, warm, and fun.

**Q: What do you think Lauren thought of you?**
I think she might see me as fun, expressive, and respectful.

**Q: Did you go anywhere else after the date?**
Unfortunately, I had to head somewhere else after the meal, so we parted ways.

**Q: Did you share a kiss?**
No, I usually don’t kiss on first dates.

**Q: If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?**
Definitely the weather. It rained the entire time we were outside.

**Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the date?**
I’d give it a 9. It was a great date, with no awkward silences and smooth conversation.

**Q: Would you want to meet again?**
Yes, I would definitely like to see her again.

Ben and Lauren dined at From the Ashes in London, E8. Interested in a blind date? Email [email protected].