YEAR, 29
Single for more than a decade.
Past dates?
I had a brief relationship at 18, but during my 20s I wasn’t able to date much due to being my mother’s primary caregiver. Mom died last year and I’m only now feeling ready to date again.
My family is focused on finding me someone and I have no doubt that my name and profile are in more matchmaking groups in the WhatsApp community than I care to imagine.
Pre-date nerves?
The only thing that would make me uncomfortable are conversations about politics, because I am very supportive of women’s rights.
Anu (pictured) is 29 years old and has been single for over a decade. Unable to find time to go out while caring for her sick mother, Anu now prioritizes trying to meet someone.
First impressions?
Not good, and that was the restaurant’s fault for seating us at different tables by mistake. When we finally met after ten minutes alone, we quickly greeted each other with a hug.
I thought Mehari was a sweet, well-presented boy. He had a warm energy that immediately put me at ease. He told me my green dress was very pretty, which was decent of him.
Is he easy to talk to?
Your life is on hold until you find love. I know you can’t wait.
We talk about our careers. Mehari is ambitious and focused on making money to support his future family. He also supports his parents, which is a big support for me.
But it is a warning sign that his concentration does not leave him room for hobbies: he likes swimming and hiking, but he does not dedicate time to them. He says he will travel more when he finds a partner.
On the plus side, I appreciated Mehari’s approach to eating “family style” and sharing her food with me. Another problem was that when he poured some water, he filled my glass first.
Embarrassing moments?
Sitting alone at separate tables. The waitress thought the mix-up was funny, but I was worried I’d been stood up!
Did sparks fly?
It was a delicious meal but there was no chemistry. We are slow burning. So even if I had been attracted to Mehari, I would have waited for him to make the first move.
Anu, Senior Service Designer at NHS, is looking for an artistic, fun and emotionally mature man who likes to travel.
See it again?
I don’t think so. Mehari is waiting until he has a girlfriend to start his life. If taking care of mom has taught me anything, it’s that you can’t wait.
He wanted to go for a walk after the date, but I had a Bollywood-style dance rehearsal early the next day, so I had to get home.
What do you think Did he think about you?
He complimented me on my looks, so I think he found me attractive. We exchanged numbers, although I haven’t heard from him since.
Would your friends like it?
Yes, but they wouldn’t be sure if he was my partner.
MEHARI, 31 years old
Single for four years, without children.
Past dates?
I’ve been focusing on my career for the last decade and, as a result, haven’t been in a serious relationship.
I briefly dated someone four years ago but she wasn’t ready to settle down. Now I’m focused on dating and trying to socialize as much as possible.
Pre-date nerves?
No, I was excited. My married friends have been very encouraging, reminding me that I am outgoing and fun. I hoped my date thought the same.
Mehari (pictured), 31, has been single for four years. He has been focused on his career for the past ten years, but now socializes as much as he can.
First impressions?
The initial confusion at the tables was worrying. There was only one other young solo diner in the restaurant, so I asked the waiter to ask her if she was on a blind date.
Fortunately, we laughed when she approached my table. Anu was wearing a striking green dress and I thought she looked beautiful.
Is he easy to talk to?
Yes, for three hours we talked about our past relationships and our parents’ expectations. At the age we are both now, they want us to get married.
We both have a five-year plan to get married and start a family.
We also had the conversation about the ‘five-year plan’. That is the period of time we have both given ourselves to get married, buy our house, start a family and get a cat and a dog. We are on the same page when it comes to life goals.
Anu loves to dance, while I like swimming and hiking, although I only do it occasionally as it’s easier to stay in work mode.
Embarrassing moments?
No, fortunately nothing else happened after the confusion at the table.
Did sparks fly?
That’s a difficult question. The date was good, the couple was compatible, but I couldn’t feel a romantic connection. I know intuitively if someone is right for me, so I was a little disappointed.
I had high hopes of clicking with my partner. Anu didn’t do or say anything to disappoint me, the magic ingredient just wasn’t there.
I would have liked to go for a drink afterwards, but Anu had to get up early the next morning for her dance training session.
Mehari, a laboratory analyst, is looking for a kind woman who wants to have a family. He’s not looking for someone with children, or anyone lazy or negative.
See her again?
No, I don’t think so. It would be a waste of our time.
What do you think Did she think about you?
No idea at all. I’m probably a calm, fun, and nice person, but that’s just a guess.
Would your friends like it?
Yes, Anu is a beautiful and intelligent woman, it’s so annoying that we didn’t click.
ANU VERDICT: 7/10
APPRECIATED? Mehari is lovely company.
REGRETS? No
COFFEE OR TAXI? Taxi.
MEHARI VERDICT: 9/10
APPRECIATED? Anu’s passion for dancing.
REGRETS? I don’t regret it.
COFFEE OR TAXI? Taxi