Sandra is a 27-year-old graduate student and philanthropist who lives in Yorkville. She describes herself as “a grand optimist, joyful, very efficient, and spontaneous,” and says she will often go out of her way to “help others learn their value and worth.” Sandra likes to cook, host dinner parties, and drink coffee. She met Matthew while volunteering.
I’m usually monogamous, and I’ve been in a number of relationships in the past. I’m looking for someone who can draw people in, but knows how to be modest, someone who enjoys good music and dancing and has an education and a place of his own. When I met Matthew, I was instantly drawn to him. We were volunteering for the same grassroots outreach mission. It was a very cold and wet day, and we had backpacks full of goods to distribute to people living on the street. It’s hard work, but we enjoyed spending a few hours together, and Matthew asked me if I’d like to see him again, albeit in a warmer setting.
We decided to go to the ROM a week later. We met in the morning, had breakfast together at the café, and then looked at historic artifacts for hours. He was very gentlemanly, holding doors open for me, and was interested in my study of theology. We were able to engage in witty banter and have an intellectual discussion at the same time.
When we left the ROM, he asked me if I’d like to have lunch with him. We went to my favourite restaurant and sat at the table looking at each other. There were several moments when others might have sensed an uncomfortable silence, but I found a greater comfort in knowing that we already had the hard part of our date behind us. I ordered the biggest salad on the menu, and, two glasses of wine later, he was telling me his music preferences and we started making hypothetical playlists with each other for special occasions.
After lunch, he offered to walk me home; we ended up walking past my building and I didn’t even notice. It was a much warmer day than expected, so we decided to stroll around campus, play-fighting with snow here and there, and warming up with a hot-chocolate stop. I didn’t want the date to end.
Before we knew it, it was eight o’clock, and I was wondering when he was going to kiss me. There were so many wonderful opportunities throughout the day and I felt like my heart was beating a constant drumroll. Finally, he grabbed me by the waist and whispered in my ear, “You are incredible.” That’s when it happened: our first kiss.
When I got home that night, 11 hours after our date started, I received a text message from him thanking me for such a wonderful day.
Sandra rates her date (out of 10): 10
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