In this NY Times blind date instalment, Joe, 29, an academic, and Alison, 30, a book publisher, met for a night of wine, banquettes, and one enthusiastic discussion about Bend It Like Beckham. While sparks didn’t fly, friendship chemistry was off the charts – and a karaoke pact was born.
Joe on Alison: “Beautiful, warm, engaging”
Joe came in half-jokingly hoping for a “NY Times-sponsored marriage,” but was very quickly charmed by Alison, describing her as gorgeous with kind eyes and an instant ease. They discussed everything from childhood to why turning 30 means magnesium supplements.
Even an artichoke/fig mix-up didn’t derail things (Alison kindly let it slide), and though there was no kiss, they shared a rainy tube ride back together. Joe rated the date a solid 9/10, only deducting a point for her Sunday Times reading habits – fair play.
Alison on Joe: “Interesting and interested”
Alison was ready for a fun conversation and some juicy voice-note content for friends. What she got was a warm, chatty northerner who looked like a cross between Andrew Garfield and her primary school crush. Not bad.
They bonded over Paramore, karaoke, and pistachio desserts, and played a cheeky drinking game every time they mentioned the NY Times. The bottle didn’t last long. Though she didn’t feel a “romantic spark,” she described Joe as one of the “most genuine and curious-minded people” she’s ever met – and said he’d thrive in any social setting.
8/10 from Alison, only missing that extra romantic zing.
Verdict: No sparks, but major serotonin
Though they didn’t kiss and both sensed more pal vibes than passion, Alison and Joe clearly thoroughly enjoyed each other. Their energy was light, fun, and engaging – the kind of date where you leave buzzing from good conversation, if not romance.
Prediction: No second date romantically, but they’ll 100% smash a Paramore karaoke duet before the year is out.
