Rajesh on Carly
So, you met at the Eagle, how was it?
Initially, it wasn’t awkward at all!
It wasn’t nerve-wracking walking up to three people?
Not really, that kind of thing doesn’t give me anxiety.
I think a lot of people would find that scenario intimidating.
Overthinkers.
Did it feel like more of a group hang-out or two separate dates?
Separate, thankfully. I’d thought a group chat with two random sets of friends would be weird.
Did it take much to get the conversation going with Carly?
No, everything was pretty smooth. Obviously, we started with the basics and moved onto deeper topics but, in general, it wasn’t hard to keep it going.
What sort of deeper topics?
Like, controversial current debates.
“We could agree to disagree”
Did you guys have the same opinions?
We could agree to disagree.
How diplomatic of you. Did you have much else in common?
No.
Did that hinder the conversation?
I don’t think so, it’s good in a sense. Like, she’s into theatre and I have no idea about that, so you get quite a refreshing perspective.
How would you describe her?
Really nice, kind, and gets my humour.
In what way?
Well, I made some pretty risky jokes and she took them quite well.
Had you decided at that point you didn’t have much to lose by making jokes?
No, I would have done it either way.
Were you sure of the vibe between you guys from the get-go?
For me, I guess – but for her, I don’t know. I definitely enjoyed it! But I don’t think I’ll be seeing her again.
Do you think she got a good impression of you?
She seemed to be enjoying it, but who knows.
Did you go anywhere afterwards?
After the pub we went to see fireworks, they were over by the time we got there though.
That’s a shame.
I’ve seen enough at the Trin May Balls.
How did the night end then?
We just exchanged Instagrams and went back to our colleges.
So, what would the night be on a scale from one to ten?
An eight. Regardless of what she says, I had fun.
Carly on Rajesh
So, why did you sign up?
I figured it would be a fun thing to do in my final year!
And how was it having Meredith with you?
It was so nice – I mean, the debrief on the walk back…
What were your first impressions of Rajesh?
It was exciting to see him. He was good-looking and I didn’t recognise him, which was a relief!
“He just proceeded to drink like six glasses of tap water”
How did it go from there?
He was definitely confident, so that helped – I don’t think there was a single awkward pause throughout the date. We’d already gotten drinks when he arrived though, so he just proceeded to drink like six glasses of tap water.
But it was pretty easy conversationally, at least?
Well, we didn’t have too much in common but he’s an interesting guy.
I heard he made some risky jokes, how did they land?
He had some pretty contentious takes on gender – I hoped in jest!
Oof. How would you describe him?
Approachable, interesting, accomplished.
How did you feel about the match in general?
I was super confident about it going in – I had a good feeling! – but ultimately it was more platonic.
Did it take you long to figure out the vibe?
It was over the course of the evening, but it was pretty clear by the end.
How did the night come to a finish?
Well, Rajesh suggested leaving the pub – he still hadn’t gotten a drink at that point – so he seemed pretty eager to leave.
And what would you rate the night from one to ten?
As a hangout, a nine. As a date, a six.
Meredith on Chris
What made you sign up?
Well, It was Carly’s idea. But just to meet someone and see.
Would you have signed up alone?
Definitely not! It really eased my nerves having her there.
Did you get along with Chris?
Well, he was very good at asking me questions, and I was very good at answering them! I was less good at asking them back though. I feel like he learned a lot more about me than I did him.
How would you describe him?
He’s lovely, he came across as really nice and was actually trying to get to know me.
What was the best thing about him?
Well, he’s interested in animals, so that was a positive.
Any other definitive green flags?
The fact he’s doing economics but doesn’t want to go into finance!
What impression do you think he got of you?
Hopefully positive! I’m hoping he at least found my talking entertaining.
Do you think you had better chemistry than Carly and Rajesh?
Yeah? I have no idea what he thought of me, honestly. We both had a good time, I think, but I don’t know on what level.
You mean, platonically or romantically?
Yeah.
Was it romantic for you?
Maybe! I had a good time.
Does it depend on how he feels?
Definitely.
But you wouldn’t be opposed to seeing him again?
No.
So, there was some romantic interest there?
Yeah.
Were you wanting it to go on longer?
Yeah, I would’ve stayed. When we neared Trinity, Rajesh was like “okay, goodbye then!” and Chris went with him.
Bit of an abrupt ending then?
A little bit. I think he just didn’t want to abandon his friend.
Did it seem like he wanted to leave?
I don’t know.
So, you’re feeling a bit in the dark?
Yeah.
Did you guys exchange numbers?
We exchanged Instagrams, yeah.
“Maybe I’d talk less next time”
Do you have any intention of reaching out?
I actually sent him a message last night, and he replied.
What did you say?
Just that I’d had a lovely evening and that maybe I’d talk less next time…
So, you’re leaving the door open?
Yeah.
Any last takeaways from the evening?
That I need to calm down and shut up more.
So, on a scale from one to ten it would be…
A solid seven.
Because you’re unsure?
(Laughing) Yeah.
Chris on Meredith
So, what were your first impressions?
She seemed very nice.
How would you describe her?
A little shy in the beginning, but very friendly!
Was conversation easy?
Most of the time! I probably asked too many questions. She was very passionate about rowing so she talked about rowing a lot, but it was cool that she’s passionate.
Did you have any joint interests?
We didn’t have any interests super in common. We spoke about music but she doesn’t really listen to it, for example. But for the most part it was fine.
Any particular green flags from her?
She volunteers at all of these animal places over the summer, which is very cool!
Any particular icks?
Well, she’s very interested in rowing – it’s not necessarily an ick! But it’s a very defining characteristic.
I’m getting the impression that it wasn’t a perfect match?
I think if I was wanting to be with someone long-term I’d want them to have similar ideas for the future – like, she loved living by the coast, and I don’t know if I’d want that. So, nothing about her specifically! Just value differences, I guess.
What do you think she made of you?
Hopefully positive things! Not super sure, but we exchanged Instagrams at the end.
Have you been in contact since?
We actually both had a rowing event today so she wished me luck, which was nice.
“I’m completely oblivious”
Any mention of going out again?
Not at the moment.
She told me she hinted at it…
Um… I hadn’t realised that. I’m completely oblivious!
So, you’re not taking it further?
It’d be really nice to be her friend, but I’m not actively searching for anything right now.
How did you guys leave things at the end?
We went on to Midsummer Common to see the fireworks, which was a nice opportunity to talk to everyone. After that we just said goodbye.
I hear you didn’t actually see any fireworks?
Yeah, we missed them.
Ironic, given the lack of fireworks between you guys…
Not a massive firework show, yeah. But she was lovely!
So, on a scale from one to ten, what would you give the night?
A six?
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