Lauren on Ben
What were you hoping for?
A fun date with someone kind, funny and warm.
First impressions?
Very fashionable – a colourful flowery shirt, cool glasses and metallic teal nail polish.
What did you talk about?
Music tastes. Favourite comedians. Hobbies and sports.
Most awkward moment?
I was quite surprised by his attitude to food. He said he wasn’t too worried about where he ends up eating, so long as the place doesn’t make him sick. That is very much the opposite to my approach.
Good table manners?
Barbecue and ribs are maybe not the easiest, most demure food to eat on a first date – but on the whole, yeah.
Best thing about Ben?
Ben was very chatty and outgoing, and asked a lot of questions, which gives him big brownie points. I also liked his sportiness – he is very passionate about baseball, softball and tennis.
Would you introduce Ben to your friends?
I’m not sure – I think he would maybe get on with some of them, but not all.
Describe Ben in three words.
Outgoing, forthright and stylish.
What do you think Ben made of you?
I think he’d say we had a nice time, but agree that we weren’t the right match.
Did you go on somewhere?
Ben seemed to be in a bit of a rush to get back to evening plans back home.
And … did you kiss?
Afraid not – just a quick hug.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
It was a shame to be in a really cool brewery courtyard while the rain was pouring down.
Marks out of 10?
6.
Would you meet again?
Ben felt a bit young for me and we weren’t quite on the same wavelength in terms of lifestyle. Had a nice time together, but am happy to leave it there.
Ben on Lauren
What were you hoping for?
A fun afternoon with a nice lady at a restaurant I’d not been to before.
First impressions?
Pretty and brought a warm energy to a very dreary afternoon, weather-wise.
What did you talk about?
Lots of things. What it was like growing up. What we do in our spare time. Work.
Most awkward moment?
They seated us separately, so I asked the staff to make sure she was my date so I didn’t approach a random woman.
Good table manners?
Yes – she was a little nervous about spilling her burger everywhere before she bit into it, which I found cute.
Best thing about Lauren?
She was really easy to talk to.
Would you introduce Lauren to your friends?
Yes. Not a shred of doubt about that.
Describe Lauren in three words.
Insightful, warm and fun.
What do you think Lauren made of you?
I reckon she might think I was fun, expressive and respectful.
Did you go on somewhere?
No. Unfortunately, I had to be somewhere else after the meal, so we went our separate ways.
And … did you kiss?
No. I don’t do that on first dates.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
The weather. It rained the whole date, and we were at an outside bar.
Marks out of 10?
9. It was a great date: no awkward silences, the conversation flowed well.
Would you meet again?
Yes, I would definitely like to.
Ben and Lauren ate at From the Ashes, London E8. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
