Rebecca on James What were you hoping for? A fun night out with someone lovely, and a heap of good wine. First impressions? A well-dressed, charming man. What did you talk about? Stories, games, families, Norse gods, clinical exam acting, the origins of the word trivia, our mutual love of ice-cream. Any awkward moments? None. He was easy to talk to and asked me lots of questions. Good table manners? Excellent. He shared all the food we ordered and poured me some unfairly generous glasses of wine. What’s not to like? Best thing about James? He’s a kind, conscientious person, and knows what brings him delight in his life. Would you introduce him to your friends? Yes. They’d like that – because he’s a more enthusiastic board-game player than me. Describe James in three words: Warm, fun, thoughtful. What do you think he made of you? That I’m a keen talker, unable to accurately pace eating with speaking, and just as game for conversational rabbit holes. Did you go on somewhere? We didn’t, we were still propping up the bar close to midnight. And … did you kiss? No, we didn’t. If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be? That we’d ordered the cheeseboard as well as dessert. Marks out of 10? 9. There wasn’t a romantic connection for me, but I had a lovely time. Would you meet again? Yes, for sea loitering and pints as friends. James on Rebecca What were you hoping for? A decent conversation and some romance to the evening. First impressions? She seemed very cool and chilled, until we got to talking, when this tidal wave of excitement and interest just came out. What did you talk about? Blimey, nearly everything: our pasts and families; the idea of “sea loitering” instead of sea swimming; her interest in witches. Any awkward moments? One or two where the conversation shifted too quickly, but they were minor things at most. Good table manners? Exceptional. It was a sharing plate restaurant and she diplomatically made sure we had similar portions. Best thing about Rebecca? Her energy and enthusiasm. She made every conversation feel fresh, and the night never dragged because of it. Would you introduce her to your friends? Definitely. I think she’d get on with them pretty well. Describe Rebecca in three words: Vibrant. Delightful. Inquisitive. What do you think she made of you? That I was genuine, but I don’t think she saw me as a romantic prospect. Did you go on somewhere? We did not. We spent five hours at the bar, happily chatting away, before we realised how late it was. And … did you kiss? No, although we did hug and swap numbers. If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be? Ask her more questions! She got so many in, I barely had time to ask any. Marks out of 10? Solid 9 out of 10. Very few things could have been improved. Would you meet again? Fingers crossed! But I get the sense it would be as friends.