Date Lab: In which we turn the matchmaking tables (again)

Courtesy of the dater

How well do daters know what they want? A few weeks ago, we ran an experiment in which we gave one woman a sneak peek at the profiles of three bachelors and let her choose her own date. Claire was drawn to Ryan’s profile, but the two didn’t click in person; she came away from the date realizing what she really wanted was a quirky West Coaster.

This week, our make-your-own-match experimenting continues (this is Date Lab, after all). Our latest guinea pig is Tom, who recently arrived in Washington bearing good looks, a bit of charm and a British accent to boot. We offered up an array of possible dates. Tom reviewed their profiles — culled from applications in our database, but without names or photos — and chose the one he liked best. Here, he explains his decision. Stay tuned for next week, when we’ll see what happened when he met his pick in person.

More from Date Lab

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About the dater ...

Dating history as a TV show ...

A young American navigates the complex game of English middle-class dating.

Brag a little ...

I’ve spent most of my life living in the U.K., so I have a British accent. I also like to think I have at least a little British charm. I’m good-looking, intelligent, and I have a fun sense of humor. I also tend to go into dates with a very open mind, so even if we don’t have a romantic connection, we tend to have fun.

Last book read ...

“In the President’s Secret Service” by Ronald Kessler.

First thing in the morning ...

Check the news/e-mail and then go for a run.

How you’re D.C. ...

I interned in D.C. in 2004, but I haven’t lived in D.C. until now. I would say that I am a D.C. type because I love politics, I love sports, and I love the mix of people and culture in the city.

Dream date ...

A Mila Kunis type — someone stunning, cool, confident and with a great sense of humor.

Interests to share ...

Politics, culture, sports, interest in the world, good sense of humor.

***

About the bachelorettes:

Bachelorette No. 1: 25, financial planner

Quick — what’s the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?

Make my bed.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?

The power to heal because it would allow me to restore people’s health, which we often take for granted.

Which three DVDs?

“Arrested Development,” “Mad Men,” “Sex and the City.”

What's the first drink you'd order in a bar?

Malbec or a craft beer I’ve never tried and a glass of water.

What are the chances you’d then start talking to the stranger next to you and end up making a new friend?

Probably a 20 on a scale of 1-27; it’s an arbitrary number.

When are you happiest?

When I’m laughing with family and friends or running.

In what ways would you say you are very D.C.?

I’m ambitious, motivated, responsible, organized, committed, passionate, loyal, dependable, athletic and fun

In what ways aren’t you?

I’m not as high strung or aggressive as many Washingtonians and not as crazy of a driver!

C’mon, brag a little: What makes you a good catch?

I’m extremely versatile and friendly. Although based on appearance many people assume I’m high-maintenance I am far from it. I’m the one in the buffet line helping all the random kids get their food and joking around with them before getting food for myself. Yes, I can put myself together ... but I am very down-to-earth, and although I enjoy dressing up, I enjoy dressing down just as much. As a matter of fact, I have spent most of the past few months in running clothes in preparation for my first marathon, which I ran in September. I am very close to my family and take value in being a great friend. Although I am passionate in what I believe, I am open-minded. I value education and love to learn; knowledge is so powerful. I am responsible, respectful and mature, but have a wild side as well. My colleagues would be shocked to learn that I’ve been cliff-diving, sky-diving, and, okay, I admit that I’ve done a keg stand. I would participate in almost any outdoor activity, I love live sporting events, music and volunteering. It’s all about being well-rounded.

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