Sophie, 26, a product manager from the US, and Alex, 26, who works in property finance, meet over steak, thrillers and a pint — but does a shared love of Sally Rooney translate to romance?
Sophie on Alex: “Great taste in films — and very polite”
Sophie signed up for the blind date as a way to shake things up. “I was hoping to step out of my comfort zone, meet someone new, and at the very least, enjoy a good meal,” she said.
When she arrived and spotted Alex, she could tell he was a little nervous. “But then again, so was I,” she laughed. “He seemed immediately friendly — cool guy energy.”
Their conversation flowed easily, covering the unexpected and the familiar: murder documentaries, travel destinations, Sunday routines, and even a shared appreciation for Sally Rooney novels. “There was definitely no shortage of things to talk about,” she said. “He’s very easy to talk to — the kind of person who could probably get on with anyone.”
There were only mild awkward moments, typical of any first date. “I did try to cut my steak with the wrong side of the knife, which was honestly a bit mortifying,” Sophie admitted. “But he didn’t make me feel weird about it.”
Alex also scored points for kindness. “He was really friendly to the waiter, which I always notice — it says a lot about someone.”
Best thing about Alex? “He’s considerate and outgoing, and has great movie taste.”
Describe him in three words: Considerate, outgoing, active.
What do you think he made of you? “Hopefully he thought I was funny and interesting. But I do wonder if he thought I talked a lot — maybe came off as very American.”
Did you go on somewhere? “Yes, we went for a pint at a pub nearby.”
And … did you kiss? “Nope.”
If you could change one thing about the evening? “It was more of a platonic vibe — maybe I’d have gone for something more casual to loosen things up. Also, next time: comfier shoes.”
Marks out of 10? 7.
Would you meet again? “Yeah, I would.”
Alex on Sophie: “Well dressed, warm and full of energy”
Alex was open-minded going in. “I was just hoping for a great meal with someone interesting — or at least a fun story to tell,” he said.
Sophie didn’t disappoint in terms of first impressions. “She had a great smile and was really well dressed. Looked totally confident and put-together.”
Their date took place over a full dinner, which, in hindsight, Alex thought might have been a bit too structured. Still, the conversation had real highlights. “We both love dark psychological thrillers,” he said, “and talked a lot about Sally Rooney — turns out we’ve read the same books. Also, some good workplace gossip was shared.”
The only real hiccup? “I accidentally stepped on her foot when we first met,” Alex confessed. “Classic awkward start. But she laughed it off.”
He admired Sophie’s warmth and openness. “She lit up when talking about her family, and she was so sweet to the staff. It’s those small things that leave an impression.”
Best thing about Sophie? “She’s fun, kind, and really personable — the kind of person who makes a table feel brighter.”
Describe her in three words: Fun, kind, chatty.
What do you think she made of you? “We got on well, I think. Hopefully she walked away with a glowing review.”
Did you go on somewhere? “We grabbed a pint at the pub around the corner. Then I walked her to her bus.”
And … did you kiss? “Nope.”
If you could change one thing about the evening? “Honestly, I think a sit-down dinner was a bit too formal. A pub setting would have been more relaxed — more us.”
Marks out of 10? 8.
Would you meet again? “We exchanged numbers, so who knows?”
Final Thoughts: A Good Match — Just Not That Kind
Sophie and Alex hit it off in all the right conversational ways. They bonded over books, swapped series recommendations, and shared a genuine rapport. But while their blind date was pleasant and filled with easy energy, it never quite crossed into romantic territory.
Still, with numbers exchanged and a shared appreciation for thrillers and good manners, maybe the next chapter is yet to be written — even if it’s as friends.
