Just what I was missing: romance!
It was a great date with a wonderful kiss but a one-time thing
Sylvia is a 33-year-old marketing-communications professional who lives in the Entertainment District.
She says “On weekdays, I dress chic and classy. On weekends, my style is more hipster.” Sylvia is “Bubbly, outgoing and social.” She says “I love checking out new venues, art shows, and outdoor concerts. I also love taking trips to the island on weekends, for sun.”
She says “I’ve been single for many, many years, but I’m very active in the dating scene. I’ve tried all the apps. Dating, for me, is painful and frustrating, but I keep at it.” Sylvia is looking for someone “reliable, funny, intellectual and interesting.” I met Don during a World Cup viewing party at a bar. I had to run out of the bar to get something, and when I came back he was gone, but my friend told me that he had asked her for my number. I was intrigued by the fact that he was European, cute, and super-fun. We definitely had the same fun vibe.
It took him about 24 hours to text me. A quick “Hey, it’s me from the bar yesterday” later and we were off on a flirting rampage. People don’t really flirt as much anymore. He had a very cute, innocent flirting style — I was intrigued. A few days later, we made plans to meet up. I was slightly anxious. He was a lot younger than me — would we even have anything to talk about?
The date started with predrinks at my house. Don showed up with a bottle of wine. I was impressed by his manners, especially because he’s so young. A few drinks on my balcony later, I had learned that he was on a solo adventure around the world, that he was already more independent and selfmade than anyone I knew, and that he could have an intense conversation about politics. I was sold!
I suggested that we go to an art gallery that had free admission. This turned out to be a good idea: Don explained that because he was travelling, he was on a very tight budget. I loved how honest and unashamed he was. He told me about all the different, creative things he does to live cheaply. I was even more impressed than I was with the wine. I’ll be the first to admit that I am a pretty materi- alistic person, or at least have been in the past, but I found his ability to adjust, adapt and live such an interesting life to be invigorating. He told me that his dream in life is “happiness.”
As we were leaving my place, he stopped me, and in a truly romantic — and outdated — fashion, grabbed my hand and started dancing with me. We stayed there for a few minutes while he taught me to waltz. It was so unexpected. He was such a gentleman and so spontaneous at the same time.
On our way to the gallery, we stopped at a park and got on the swings. We talked for a long time and ended up skipping the art gallery completely. Don reminded me a lot of myself at his age. I’m not that much older, but he was the same kind of youthful, adventurous person I was when I was able to live in the moment, free of a mortgage, a real job, and responsibilities. He was also funny, intellectual, cultured, open-minded, and not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. The date ended with Don walking me home while holding my hand. He told me what a lovely time he’d had, and that we should do it again. Then he leaned in and gave me the best kiss I can remember.
The date was totally perfect, no doubt about it, but I decided not to see Don again after that. He’s only in Toronto for a short time during his travels.
I wasn’t sure I’d made the right decision not to see Don again after our amazing first date, but I met someone else shortly after, who turns out to be perfect for me. In a way, I have Don to thank for that, because our date reminded me of what I need: romance. Sometimes when you stop seeking adventure, adventure finds you.
Sylvia rates her date (out of 10): 10