TABLE FOR TWO
DANNY AND PIETERJAN DINED AT M VICTORIA STREET, LONDON
What were you hoping to get out of the date?
Danny: I hadn’t been on a blind date before. It was a little out of my comfort zone, but I like to try new things.
Pieterjan: Since I moved to London, dating has turned out to be more diff icult than expected – “the bigger the city, the bigger the choice”. I saw an opportunity and took it.
What were your first impressions?
D: He seemed confi dent and sweet.
P: I saw him out of the corner of my eye when I walked in, looking cute in his blazer and glasses, and hoped he was my date – lucky me!
How different was he to your usual type?
D: I usually go for someone a few years older.
P: I don’t really have a type. Danny was handsome and sweet, what else do you need?
Would you have swiped left or right?
D: On fi rst glance, probably left. However, if it were towards the end of the evening, right.
P: Defi nitely right.
How was the conversation and what did you talk about?
D: We chatted about travelling, ski trips and future aspirations.
P: It fl owed pretty easily. I’m not an awkward person, and he was really good at making conversation.
What was the most interesting thing about him?
D: I appreciate when people are bilingual as I’d love to be. He seemed to have travelled a lot, too, which was cool.
P: I was confused by a ring he was wearing on his right hand: “Is that a wedding, or promise, ring?” But it turned out it used to be his grandfather’s and he almost never takes it off , which only made me like him more.
What was his best quality?
D: He was very relaxed and seemed comfortable in his own skin.
P: He would never let a conversation die, and his smile and laugh were invigorating.
What did you make of their dress sense?
D: Standard Primark chic.
P: Classy. My mum would have absolutely loved his outfi t, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing either.
Were there any deal- breakers?
D: He doesn’t know whether he will stay in the UK.
P: It was a lot of fun, but I didn’t really feel a spark… yet.
What do you think he thought of you?
D: We got on pretty well. We laughed and there weren’t any awkward silences, so I reckon he would feel the same.
P: I had a lovely night, but had the feeling he didn’t really like me.
Any awkward moments?
D: None whatsoever on my part.
P: The hostess led me to the table where he was sitting and, as a Belgian, I would have given him a kiss, but I wasn’t sure whether that was acceptable in the UK, so I went in for both the handshake and the kiss.
What were you most worried he would notice about you?
D: That I have a habit of inhaling food and wine!
P: I wore a light- blue shirt and was pretty nervous, so I’m sure I had sweaty armpits all night.
How was the food?
D: The starter and dessert were amazing, and the service was faultless.
P: The Snickers and the red velvet desserts were revelations.
How did the night end?
D: We kissed on the cheek, and he headed for Victoria and I made my way to Charing Cross.
P: We said goodbye and went to our own stations. Sadly.
What would you have changed about the night?
D: I’d have ordered my steak rare. P: I would have loved to have gone for another drink, just to see each other in a diff erent atmosphere.
Snog, marry, avoid?
D: What’s the harm in a snog? P: Snog. To start…
Will you meet again?
D: Probably not. PJ was a nice guy, confi dent, handsome and sweet, but just not for me.
P: He gave me his business card, and I wasn’t sure whether he wanted me to use it or just wanted to show off . I’ve texted him already, so time will tell.