Charley, 28, a chef, meets Matt, 33, a medical adviser — and they share tapas, dance stories, and unexpected insights about dating.
Charley on Matt: “Friendly, thoughtful, but more mate than matey”
Charley went into the evening with an open mind. “I wasn’t looking for anything serious — just hoping for a fun night with someone interesting. Mostly, I just didn’t want it to be boring!”
When Matt arrived, Charley immediately noticed his great shirt and his friendly manner. “He seemed relaxed and easy to talk to.”
Their conversation ranged across a variety of topics: veganism, why their past relationships didn’t work out, and Matt’s surprising enthusiasm for swing dancing. “He has some really interesting opinions, but he’s also a great listener,” Charley said.
There were no awkward silences, apart from one rogue piece of bruschetta that flew off Charley’s plate and onto the floor — which broke the ice with a laugh.
The tapas format worked well for them both, and Matt was generous in sharing. “Good table manners all around,” Charley noted.
Best thing about Matt? “He’s thoughtful and mature, with an interesting take on lots of things.”
Describe Matt in three words: Thoughtful, interesting, mature.
Did you feel any romantic spark? “Honestly, the chemistry wasn’t quite there. I hope Matt saw me as a friend because that’s how I felt. I’d like a bit more banter on a date — maybe we just have different senses of humour.”
Would you introduce him to your friends? “Absolutely — he’s the kind of guy anyone would get along with.”
Did you go on anywhere else? “No, we wrapped it up at the restaurant.”
And … did you kiss? “No, more of a friendly vibe than flirty.”
If you could change one thing about the evening? “Maybe add a bit more banter. Otherwise, it was nice.”
Marks out of 10? 7.
Would you meet again? “Not romantically, but he sounds like a great mate — he said he’s always the first on the dancefloor and the last to leave.”
Matt on Charley: “Relaxed, curious, with striking green eyes”
For Matt, the evening was a refreshing break from endless swiping on dating apps. “I was just hoping to enjoy some good food and meet someone interesting.”
Charley caught his attention right away. “She was relaxed, articulate, full of earnest curiosity — and her green eyes are striking.”
Their chat quickly turned lively. “She told me her friends found me online before our date — though she didn’t look herself,” Matt laughed. They bonded over shared interests: autofiction, Abba Voyage, dancing, Jewish weddings, and the infamous hora chair dance.
Charley’s curiosity shone through as she asked why his previous relationships ended, and Matt appreciated her thoughtful questions.
Most awkward moment? “Honestly, there wasn’t one.”
Charley showed off her language skills, having studied Spanish, and helped Matt decipher some menu items. “She even asked if she had food on her face — which made me wonder if I had some too!”
Best thing about Charley? “Her get-up-and-go attitude.”
Describe Charley in three words: Warm, clever, funny.
What do you think she made of you? “Hopefully that I made an effort and that we had things in common. We stayed talking until the restaurant closed.”
Did you go on anywhere else? “No — she had to head off.”
And … did you kiss? “No.”
If you could change one thing about the evening? “Better weather — it was a bit gloomy.”
Marks out of 10? 9.
Would you meet again? “Probably not romantically. She’s moving to Italy in a few months, so it wouldn’t make sense.”
Final Takeaway
Charley and Matt’s blind date was a warm and engaging evening full of shared passions and thoughtful conversation, even if romance wasn’t quite in the cards. With plans for new adventures on the horizon and different paths ahead, they parted on good terms — both richer for the experience and maybe with a future friendship to build on.
