Courtesy of the daters
Do daters really know what they want? Last week, we introduced Claire, who got the chance to choose her date from three mystery bachelors. Using just their questionnaires, without names or photos, she selected Bachelor No. 2. Read more about the matchmaking at washingtonpost.com/datelab, and read on to see what happened when Claire met her self-made match.
About the daters ...
Brag a little ...
Ryan: Most women find me to be very funny and are at ease around me. I’m a good conversationalist and can draw people out of their shells. From the bio my friend wrote about me on his wedding Web site: “My interactions with this quirky Texan have always had the flavor of a nonstop sitcom.”
Claire: I cook. I work out. I’m smart, but also thoughtful. I like to talk, but more than that, I really value listening to people. That could be part of why I have dated so many different guys/types: I want to know what they love, what they dream, what motivates them, their quirks and secrets. I’m interested. Period. I make a big deal of little things, like an intentionally cleaned car or a good bottle of wine. Noticing when people are kind and considerate is one of the elementary, great things you can achieve in life.On top of that, I dress well and value my manners/presentation.
Your type ...
Ryan: I can drive a conversation, but
I don’t always like to — it’s more fun when it’s a back-and-forth. I really go
for women who are inquisitive and willing to challenge me.
Claire: I like spontaneous guys. My favorites have been the adventuresome ones. I’m a pretty analytical, grounded, cerebral girl, so I value having someone in my life who makes me go out of my little brain-shell. I took up motorcycling one summer and surfing another ...
all because of who I chose to date.That’s a big deal to me. I want someone who is determined and energetic — a sort of devil-may-care. He also has to be quirky. A streak of weirdness is an [incredible] asset when it comes to daily conversations or boring bars.
Chances you’d befriend
a stranger ...
Ryan: I always try to chat up strangers at the bar if the bar is divey enough. That’s sort of the Texan in me.There are always interesting people alone at the bar who have some sort of great wisdom (or at least some off-color jokes) if you chat them up.
Claire: Incredibly high. I love meeting people on the Metro.
Interests to share ...
Ryan: An interest in art is pretty big, as is an interest in history. She should also be willing to visit museums. I’m also into sports, so she should at least be willing to humor me and go to a Nationals game.
Claire: Food is a good connection point. Major points if they are left-leaning politically, but it’s more important that they are engaged with current events and ideologies. Someone who is curious about the world. Someone who doesn’t need to spend a lot of money to have a good time, enjoys hiking and great wines, and values excellent coffee.
About the date ...
7:30 p.m., Graffiato, Chinatown
Claire:I have never done online dating in my life. I’m still romantic enough to believe that you can have a really powerful connection with somebody naturally, just in terms of going to the same coffee shop regularly, or meeting in yoga class or whatever it is. I’m friendly and confident enough to create those types of situations for myself. I got on the Metro and I thought, Oh my gosh, I wonder where he lives. I bet he has to Metro there, too. I started looking around, like, Maybe that’s the guy. ... I started creating narratives in my brain.
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