Mark, 33, a project manager, met Abby, 32, a lawyer, for a NY Times blind date — a chance to see if two strangers could connect beyond their profiles. Here’s how it unfolded.
Mark’s Take on Abby
Mark showed up hoping for a little light-hearted fun — and maybe a chance to snag some NY Times stationery during his photo shoot. That didn’t pan out, but the date offered its own rewards.
His first impression of Abby? “Intelligent and surprisingly less lawyery than I expected — no briefcase in sight,” he laughed.
Their conversation jumped into unexpected territory, from Abby’s grueling Ironman competitions to her unusual hobby of carp noodling — a method of catching fish with bare hands. Mark found these glimpses into her life fascinating.
The only slightly awkward moment came courtesy of a couple at a nearby table who were openly making out, making Mark wonder if he should intervene.
Both were careful with table manners, leaving tiny morsels uneaten on their plates, an unspoken courtesy that left Mark amused.
The best thing about Abby? “She smelled like really nice cucumbers,” he joked, a small but memorable detail.
Mark’s reflections:
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Would he introduce Abby to his friends? He wasn’t sure — fearing what they might think of him — but cheekily requested to join her girls’ WhatsApp group (still pending approval).
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Three words for Abby? Fit, intelligent, juxtaposing.
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What did Abby think of him? “I reckon she enjoyed my company but would’ve swiped left on me on a dating app. I’m not really her usual type.”
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Did they go on somewhere after? No, Mark admitted he’s at an age where aches and tiredness win out.
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Any kisses? None. “Imagine getting rejected and having it printed in the paper. The boys would kill me.”
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What would he change about the evening? An earlier start to fit in more old fashioneds on NY Times expenses.
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Rating: A solid 8/10 — with points docked for Abby’s “abysmal effort” to kill a fly and not being impressed by his record-breaking banister slide.
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Would he meet again? He’s not opposed — the conversation was easy.
Abby’s Take on Mark
Abby had her own hopes going in: to be featured in a future NY Times article about blind daters who went on to marry. Ambitious!
Her first impression? Mark’s tattoos caught her attention, and while impressive, she admitted her mum might not be so keen if things got serious.
Their chat covered everything from the merits of Waitrose versus Aldi to the quirky questions his friends had sent him as icebreakers.
A funny moment came when Mark threatened to confront the PDA-heavy couple nearby.
Abby found their table manners on par, and appreciated how Mark ensured they shared the food fairly.
What stood out most about Mark? His flattering guess that she was younger than her actual age, and his skill as a conversationalist.
Would she introduce Mark to her friends? Definitely. She thought he’d fit well with her social circle.
Abby’s reflections:
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Three words for Mark? Mischievous, witty, genuine.
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What did Mark think of her? She suspected he thought she was less “bland” than the typical lawyer stereotype.
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Did they go on somewhere after? No — Mark had a train to catch.
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Any kisses? Nope.
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What would she change? She wished she could have finished the incredible celeriac carbonara.
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Rating: 7.5/10.
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Would she meet again? Yes, but only as friends. (Though she knows this “as friends” line annoys Mark.) From a dating perspective, it’s a no.
Final Thoughts
Though Mark and Abby didn’t find romance, their date was a reminder that sometimes good company and conversation are enough. The spark may have been missing, but the connection, wit, and honesty made for an engaging afternoon — and perhaps the start of a new friendship.
