A Date in the City

When my dad started playing match maker, I wasn't sure whether I should be worried or pleased that he was taking an interest in my love life. Either way, perhaps it would've been wise not to agree to meet his colleague's son - for if I was wise, I would've saved myself from an extremely difficult date.

We spoke one Friday night - a conversation which I was purely dominating. Not particularly by choice (though I am known to have more than my fair share of talk time), but to avoid those awkward silences that dared to arise. After he mentioned for the second time that he was quite tired, I cut the conversation short and we ended the call without any mention of speaking again. I was quite surprised when he text a few days later asking about my weekend - I didn't think he would.

A handful of texts and a week later, we decided to meet in his part of the city - an area which I wasn't familiar with and so was happy for him to arrange the venue for our 'date'. We met outside the tube station and I noticed that he was perhaps one of the better looking guys that I had been set up with. I assumed he would take lead and suggest a place, however he asked me where I wanted to go. I told him that I didn't know the area well and was happy to go for a drink or coffee wherever he thought best. Turns out that he didn't even know which direction to walk in - something which surprised me as I thought he would've had some sort of plan or idea where we could go. Definitely a bit of a turn off.

We settled for a small cafe where I ordered a cranberry juice - though much needed, luckily I chose not to ask for the vodka, as it wasn't until half way through our date, that he mentioned he doesn't drink. Not that I'm an alcoholic or big drinker (anymore!), but I'm definitely one who likes to enjoy a social drink or two every now and again. I have to admit, to be with someone who doesn't drink, even a little bit, would be a little weird for me.

He ordered a coke and some fries, which he later doused in tomato ketchup and picked at whilst making his way through seven or eight napkins, making more a mess than my six year old niece.
The conversation between us just didn't flow and I found it extremely tough to make small talk which wasn't weather related. We spoke about mostly work and holidays, however with no intention to be rude, just honest, I would say I found the evening as difficult as having a conversation with a brick. As the waitress asked us if we wanted another round of (soft) drinks, I declined and we settled the bill. Unfortunately the most awkward part of the night was not over - we still had to get through an eight stop tube journey together. For once in my life, I was extremely grateful for the noisiness of the Jubilee line which gave us a reason not to attempt to speak. As we sat there in silence, I felt my foot being (accidentally) kicked by the guy taking his seat opposite me. I didn't feel guilty at all when I returned his dimpled smile and paid more attention to him than my reticent date. When my stop finally arrived, I thanked him for the drink and stepped onto the platform as fast as my heels would allow.

It's been a little over a week since our little meeting and neither of us have made any attempt to make contact - something for which I'm truly grateful for! As much as I may enjoy hearing myself speak, it's not as satisfying when the other person has no interest in reciprocating.