Was I getting butterflies? Nope, it was stomach flu
I had a really good feeling about Samuel — then came the nausea
Brittany is a 32-year-old information scientist who lives in Parkdale. She says, “I’m independent, curious, imaginative, hipsterish, creative and direct.” She adds, “I’m very discerning. This is usually a good quality, but my personality can verge on judgmental.” Brittany says, “I love to be alone and read, but lately I spend more time and energy catching up on group chats than reading books.” She also loves music, the performing arts, and “great food, and great cocktails.” She says she is a “great listener” and “very intuitive.”
Samuel seemed different than most people I go for. His profile alluded to a life-of-the-party persona. His photos showed him making silly faces, dressed up for costume parties, lots of drinking and craziness. This is the complete opposite of me. However, his profession is known for being straitlaced, so I knew there had to be a serious side in there somewhere.
Samuel moved quickly. After we chatted a bit, he suggested an early dinner and said, “I know where we should go.” He happened to choose one of my favourite restaurants, but I already really liked the fact that he seemed to have a plan. It put me at ease right away, knowing that he was willing to take the reins. I’m a take-charge kind of person, and find it a bit annoying when other people in my orbit hesitate to take the lead. I especially appreciate it when other people take into account what they know about me when they make a social plan for us. Granted, that might be very little when it comes to a first date.
Samuel was dressed well, had a great walk and a gorgeous smile. I got a super-good vibe from him. I was excited to get to know him better.
We talked easily and joked around a lot. I felt comfortable around this guy. He was full of compliments, which is good because I like a lot of affirmation! We got a round of drinks right off the bat. When our food came, we shared dishes in order to taste as much as possible. It takes a high level of comfort to do this on a first date.
We ordered a second round of drinks as we finished our meals. I noticed I had started feeling a little bit off. Samuel must have noticed this, too, because he asked if he’d done or said anything wrong. I said no, that I just felt a bit nauseous. He asked if I needed to leave, and I said no, but I knew I shouldn’t drink anything else. I didn’t want the date to end just yet, even though I felt queasy. I asked him if he wanted to get a coffee and suggested a place down the street.
Samuel agreed, and grabbed the bill. He put his arm around me as we walked down the street to the coffee place. I was hoping the fresh air would help me feel a bit better.
I paid for our drinks and dessert. Only fair. Samuel playfully joked about my coffee order, and I laughed. We continued our conversation, which was still going really well despite my nausea, but I could read on Samuel’s face that he knew I was feeling gross. At one point he told me I looked pale, but I said I was having a good time.
And then I threw up in my mouth.
I got up and ran to the bathroom in a panic. I was in there for a long time, unable to leave. I felt absolutely awful. I was determined to get up and tell Samuel he should go. I hauled my butt off the floor, rinsed my face with water, and tried to pull myself together. I wasn’t even sure if he’d still be there.
I walked out of the bathroom, and saw that Samuel was still sitting at our table. He hugged me, helped me collect my things, and walked me out. Then, out of nowhere, he leaned in and kissed me. Gross! But also sweet? I wasn’t sure what to make of that.
I had the stomach flu for the next few days. Samuel checked in on me that night, and over the next week, via text. We made plans to get together again when I was feeling better. I was excited to have a real first kiss with him, without the nausea.
Brittany rates her date (out of 10): 9