An alumni relations pro and a donor communications manager go on a blind date

TRAVIS G.: 32 / communications manager
HIS PERFECT SATURDAY: Coffee, then a hike followed by a brewery
FIRST THING PEOPLE NOTICE IN HIS HOME: Trinkets from his travels
8 P.M. FOX & THE KNIFE, SOUTH BOSTON
ON THE PITCH
William I logged off of work, and fancied myself up. Maybe belted a few Dua Lipa, Gaga, or Florence Welch songs to get some energy out.
Travis I went home after work, texted some friends, then freshened up for the date. I arrived right on time (for once) and my date was already there.
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William Travis was tall. I also loved the lemon-print shirt he was wearing, which to me told me he wasn’t afraid of really expressing himself.
Travis My date had a warm and friendly smile and was quick to offer a greeting hug, which I appreciated. He was clean-cut and put together.
FOR KICKS
William We talked about what lead us to this moment. I was excited to find out we both worked in the fund-raising world.
Travis He had recently moved back to the Boston area and was embracing a new city, new job, and making new connections. We both work in semi-related fields (he does alumni relations and I work in donor communications). We covered quite a few topics — from reading and travel to sports and family.
William He told me about some European trips he’s taken that I was SERIOUSLY jealous of.
Travis My date really likes soccer, and recently joined the social sports league that I play dodgeball/kickball in.
William We ordered an octopus crostini thing which, honestly, if I had been by myself, I would never have ordered. Overall 10/10 for Fox & the Knife.
Travis I had a rye cocktail while my date went for a paloma. We shared the grilled octopus crostini (loved), and the kitchen sent out a surprise order of the fried chili chickpeas. I went with the shrimp and pea shoot ravioli and he chose the wild boar tagliatelle. Everything was really tasty.
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William I felt I was talking too much. That can sometimes be such a deal breaker for people but honestly it’s a nervous reaction.
Travis Our conversation stayed pretty surface-level, which is fine for a first date, but I didn’t feel like we got to a place where things were flowing super naturally.
HEADING OUT
William I didn’t know if I should have tried to set up a second date during dinner or asked more about what he was looking for to see where to go next. I felt like a deer in headlights.
Travis I was getting tired by the end and was ready to head home. I suggested that we call it a night and my date agreed. We walked out together, said our goodnights. We shared a hug. I think we were both feeling platonic vibes.
William Maybe! We followed each other on Instagram after I forgot to get his number so … Travis … hit me up maybe.
Travis I don’t think another date is in the cards. I didn’t really feel a romantic connection. We’re in the same social sports league, so I look forward to seeing him on the courts/fields.
William / B+
Travis / B+
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