Blind date: ‘I felt like he was my friend — I probably over-shared'
LAURA M.:
30 / speech-language pathologist
When she is happiest:
Playing music at a gig
What makes her a catch:
She's empathetic and has great communication skills.
7:30 P.M. GRAY'S HALL, BOSTON
Culinary Connection
Owen
I've been reading the Cupid column for a couple years now and decided on a whim to send in an application.
Laura
I am always down to try something new and meet new people.
Owen
Before the date, I went to the driving range to hit a bucket of balls and clear my mind.
Laura
I almost canceled because I wasn't feeling my best, but I didn't want to disappoint.
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Owen
I got there first and was seated at the end of the bar. I perused the wine list as I waited for her to arrive.
Laura
The hostess told me that he was sitting at the end of the bar.
Owen
I thought she was really cute with a warm, friendly smile.
Laura
I thought he was objectively good-looking. He seemed calm and confident.
Boiling It Down
Owen
We both come from Italian families. We talked about natural wine vs. orange wine. She plays guitar in a band, works with kids, and is the fun aunt to nine nieces/nephews.
Laura
He immediately asked where I was from/where I lived and we talked about our professions. I discovered that he works at a fish product production company but cheffing is his passion and his previous career.
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Owen
She was easy to talk with and we got more comfortable as the evening progressed. She had a fun energy about her. Early on in the date, I thought she had a good attitude and lives somewhat intentionally.
Laura
I felt pretty comfortable from the beginning. I felt like he was my friend—I probably over-shared.
Owen
We ordered the roasted carrots, burrata, roasted broccoli, and tuna tartare.
Laura
The food was great and the service was great, too. It was fun that he could describe the different flavor profiles from his experience as a chef.
Owen
I think there was more romantic
potential
than actual chemistry. First date is more of a vibe check for me, and she definitely passed that.
Laura
I didn't pick up on any obvious romantic chemistry. I was happy that we enjoyed the evening and had pretty good conversation the entire time.
Dining and Dishing
Owen
The evening had naturally run its course but I never felt a rush to end the date.
Laura
At the end I was ready to go, but that was because I wasn't feeling good in general.
Owen
The date ended with me waiting with her for her Uber, a hug, and an exchange of numbers. I asked her if she would like to go out again and she said yes.
Laura
He was so nice and waited for my Uber to arrive. We exchanged numbers and hugged and left. A perfect gentleman!
Second Date?
Owen
I would like to. She will be out of town for a little while so it's hard to project when that would take place.
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Laura
We might! I don't foresee a crazy amount of chemistry growing, but it was a fun time, and you never know.
Grading the Date
Owen / A-
Laura / A
Go on a blind date. We'll pick up the tab.
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