If you haven't read their profiles already, click HERE to read more about Taylor and Markell!
Taylor's Date #1
Key Takeaways: The date went really well, and we had chemistry. He was super easy to talk to, joke with, and I felt super comfortable opening up to him.
Vitals:
Name: Kurt, because he was super upset that I didn't know the Nirvana song that was playing in the bar. And for those of you, like me, who don't know much about Nirvana, Kurt Cobain was the name of the lead singer.
Length of date: 3 hours
How the date was obtained: Hinge
Where: A bar
I have never been on dating apps before, but after a few drinks one night last weekend, I decided: why not give it a go? I matched with Kurt on Hinge earlier this week. Soon after we matched, we exchanged numbers and have been texting ever since. We had good banter over text so I was really looking forward to talking in person. I keep my covid-bubble pretty small, so I was a little hesitant to meet up with a stranger. When I asked Kurt about his covid-precautions, he not only told me about his small bubble, he said he was relieved that to hear me asking about his. Turns out Kurt was just as hesitant about expanding his bubble as I was; this was both of our first "covid-dates." It made me feel better knowing he has been being careful and didn't think this pandemic was a hoax! Already off to a good start! He made reservations at a nice bar downtown (and let me add - he made these reservations four days in advance... MAJOR brownie points). We made plans to meet there at 8:00 and I was super giddy to finally meet him!
But, when Friday night rolled around, I was a PILE of nerves. Was he going to be as easy to talk to in person? Was he going to be as cute as his profile had suggested? Was I going to be catfished? SO many questions. However, I walked up to the bar and he was waiting outside ~in a mask~ yet I knew he had a big smile on his face. He greeted me with a hug, and we walked into the bar. The city I am in has open dining, which scares me a bit, but usually restaurants are pretty conservative about taking covid precautions. However, this bar seemed to have more lax rules, which made both of us a bit uncomfortable. Although, we were seated off in the corner, which made us feel a bit better.
Once we were seated, we took a look at their cocktail menu, which was comparable to the menu at The Cheesecake Factory... way too long. I am a simple gal when it comes to drinks, so sifting through dozens of options was a bit overwhelming. Kurt jokingly told me that if I made the wrong choice in drink, he would get up and leave. A LOT was at stake here, folks. Hearing him already joking was a good sign, I am a sucker for a sarcastic and witty guy! When looking at food, I told him I do not eat beef, pork, or seafood (for mostly environmental reasons), and he proceeded to say, "Oh okay perfect, so maybe the tuna dish or the prime rib?". Again... sucker for sarcasm.
Kurt and I talked about everything under the sun: family, music, politics, travels, food, and more! There was never a lull in conversation, and I found myself very comfortable opening up. However, there was one thing in the way of our conversation: the bar's live music. You might be wondering, "Taylor, why would live music be an issue? Are you an awful human who hates music?" NO! I am a sucker for live music, and I have missed going to concerts during these COVID times. But this wasn't just some casual, light, acoustic music... this was a FULL blown rock concert. I seriously think I lost some hearing. There were moments when we had to straight up yell in order to hear what the other person was saying. This led to a lot of laughs, and a lot of leaning in closer to hear better (cue the "oooOOOoooh's!"). At about 11:00 pm, we decided to wrap things up. When the check came, I asked if I could pay for my half, and he responded with "If that makes you feel more comfortable, then you totally can! But how about next round is on you?" THIS!! THIS WAS THE RESPONSE I WANTED TO HEAR!! I am very non-traditional and don't think guys should have to pay for every freaking date, but he let me make that choice for myself AND basically asked for a second date.
He walked me back to my car and he gave me a kiss. I felt so comfortable and respected by him, and there was not a single moment in the night I felt uncomfortable or "not-myself." He texted me once he had gotten home letting me know he had a fun night, and I said the same. I thanked him for surprising me with a rock concert, and told him my biggest regret of the night was not hijacking the mic. He responded with "I was kind of waiting for that the whole time... you really didn't come through". Looks like I blew it, guys.
Overall Experience:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The future for us… I would really like to have a second date with Kurt! I would love to spend more time with him maybe not having to scream everything I say.
Next Week: Hopefully a second date with Kurt!
Markell's Date #1
Key Takeaways: The “Pickup Line Pressure” is real, so try to make em laugh!
Vitals:
Name: Daisy, because she looks like Daisy Ridley, aka Rey from Star Wars.
Length of date: Hour and a half
How the date was obtained: Tinder
Where: FaceTime
I've been on Tinder for a couple weeks now, which is the longest I’ve been on a dating app considering I’m usually a longer-term relationships kind-of-guy. In fact, until recently, I was in a very serious relationship, so I didn't think I'd get the chance to date again, let alone date casually. I'm used to dating in order to start a relationship, so this dating app thing is a whole new beast. I'll admit though, it's fun to talk to different people with different personalities, and to see what's out there. Although, I have found one thing challenging and stressful about dating apps: coming up with a witting joke or a fun pickup line to start off the conversations. Eventually, I got my feet under me. Securing the date with Daisy was a little different. I gave her the option: witty pickup line or casual conversation starter. Casual conversation won out this time.
Daisy and I messaged back and forth about navigating the world of dating apps and eventually arranged to FaceTime. We talked about how Covid-19 has changed the game for everyone. She mentioned that she has been played more than a few times while dating, yet she still likes to give people the benefit of the doubt. This set off positive flags in my brain, because I also attempt to do this with everyone I meet. I tend to believe we’re all at different parts in our journey, and depending on where we are in said journey, it can make or break the ways in which we interact with one another. And then we started talking about music…
Don’t get me wrong I have no qualms with Beyoncé. She’s extremely talented, but that Lemonade album popped off, and I felt like I never heard the end of it. On the other hand, Daisy loves Beyoncé so I had to maneuver my critiques with care. She spoke of how she felt that T-Swift was overrated and how most songs on her new albums (Evermore and Folklore) sound the same, to which I had to agree. Don’t come for me in the comments. Daisy was very funny and honest, which I admired. I liked the way that she laughed and wasn’t afraid to call me out on things she didn’t agree with, like my “treatment of Beyoncé.” Once our date started, it was hard to stop. Yet, she had an early workday the next day so I had to let her go, but not without a promise of doing something in “real life” the next time.
Overall Experience:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The future for us… I definitely see myself going out with Daisy again. It’d be cool to see her in person and see how much chemistry is there!
Next Week: There are definitely a few new candidates I've met on Tinder Platinum (the premium and paid version of Tinder), which is a scam by the way - it gives you priority that all dating apps should give you anyway.