OLIVIA S.: 25 / nonprofit program manager
HER INTERESTS: Understanding what makes cities thrive
HER HOBBIES: Biking, baking, making art
7:30 P.M. YUNNAN KITCHEN, SOUTH END
Building Blocks
Jon I spent the early evening building a TV stand for my new apartment. Unfortunately, I spent more time than I intended on it and left for the date a bit behind schedule.
Olivia I felt rushed getting back from work, so I changed and left right away.
Jon I thought she was cute and had a sweet smile. She was wearing a sweater with embroidered flowers that looked like it could have been thrifted (not being a bad thing). Very much “girl next door” energy.
Olivia He looked very put-together. He was wearing a button-down shirt with dress pants and shoes. I thought his glasses were cute.
Bridging the Future
Jon We talked about our respective commutes and our anxieties that we might be late. I apologized for being a bit sweaty and out of breath because I had to jog a bit to make it on time.
Olivia We both used the T to get to the restaurant, so I thought it was a miracle we were on time.
Jon We had a lively conversation about our work, career goals, movie and book series that we liked, and how people make meaning of and find their path in life. I learned that she lives very close to the apartment that I lived in last year.
Olivia We both have an interest in urban planning. We talked a lot about movies. He’s a big fan of Lord of the Rings movies, and I had to break it to him that I’ve never watched them. We also talked about fate and how we don’t really believe in it.
Jon We ordered the boiled pork in chili oil, potato pancake, and spring rolls to share, and large cans of Sapporo beer. What particularly stood out was the sheer size of the pork dish—we barely put a dent in it!
Olivia We ended up splitting appetizers and a pork dish. I enjoyed the atmosphere.
Jon Olivia told me that she was considering pursuing a graduate degree in urban planning. Urban planning was part of my graduate studies and something that I also find fascinating.
Olivia Jon went to school in Rhode Island to get his law degree. I love Rhode Island, and I grew up going there often. I was happy to learn that he had tried some classic Rhode Island delicacies (Del’s Lemonade and coffee milk).
Jon I did notice things that I found endearing, like her tendency to tuck her hair behind her ears.
Olivia I could tell he was very intelligent. I found it charming how well-spoken he was.
Pathway to Romance
Jon We exchanged numbers and divvied up the leftovers. She insisted on letting me have the rest of the spicy pork, though my gut biome may not thank her.
Olivia We waited outside for his Uber and hugged as we parted ways.
Second Date?
Jon I am hopeful.
Olivia I think so! We’ve been texting a bit, so we’ll see. I’d be interested in seeing if there’s a connection.
Grading the Date
Jon / A
Olivia / A
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