For those who do not know about Peirce Dates, we set two people up on a blind date at Peirce. It’s a great way for students to connect at no price. Want to go on a Peirce date? Want to find your friend that special someone? Let us know! 

On a brisk Tuesday night at 7:04 pm, two souls became one on New side. Sitting 3 tables away, donning rose gold Beats by Dre, I watched a connection form, and felt time stand still.

Before the date

First Contestant:

1. Name: Erik Gross
2. Year: Class of 2018
3. Hometown: Washington, DC
4. Ideal Date: Facebook stalking all of my ex’s and crying
5. Favorite Song: Teach Me How to Dougie
6. Astrological Sign: Sagittarius
7. Best kept Kenyon secret: Infused water
8. Favorite romantic movie: The one with Queen Latifah
9. Dream job: Men’s Wearhouse spokesman

 

Second Contestant: 

1. Name: Emily Fritze
2. Year: Class of 2019
3. Hometown: Morristown, NJ
4. Ideal date: Hangin’ out on a floating dock in a lake in the fall
5. Favorite song: Helplessly Hoping by Crosby, Stills & Nash
6. Astrological sign: Capricorn (wish I was a Pisces though!)
7. Best kept Kenyon secret: Somewhere on this campus there is a spray-painted golden banana
8. Favorite romantic movie: Leap Year. It’s so terrible… but its in Ireland
9. Dream job: I just want to make bowls!

During the date

Emily was four minutes late so Erik was worried that he was being stood up. Thankfully, his fear subsided when she approached the table at 7:04 and extended her arm for a firm handshake. They both opted for salads and maintained positive body language throughout the date. Erik gesticulated grandly in-between bites of wilted lettuce and Emily maintained strong eye contact while gripping her Peirce cup. From my perch at a round table across the room, their nervous ticks became apparent. Occasionally, Erik toyed with his earbuds and Emily tucked her chin into her turtleneck. Moments of pause were few and far between and the date was filled with laughter and steadily flowing conversation. I dismissed them after 45 minutes and wished them well. Both walked away from the table with a distinct glow.

After the date 

Erik

1. What were your expectations going into the date: I didn’t think she was gonna show up

2. Were your expectations met: She came to the date! Very pleasant surprise

3. How stimulating was the conversation: Extremely. She told me about being a studio art major and I told her that art is stupid. I complained about lacking direction in life and she listened

4. Did you enjoy your partner’s company: She was lovely! She’s a good listener with a great sense of humor. She was very easy to talk to and sent good vibes

5. Would you do it again? Why yes/no: Yes, I enjoyed the date and I don’t think I embarrassed myself… I was really proud that I managed to chew with my mouth closed

6. Sum the date up in 5 words: I poured my heart out

Emily

1. What were your expectations going into the date: I thought it would be funny and weird and I nice opportunity to eat a salad with someone new!

2. Were your expectations met: They were!

3. How stimulating was the conversation: It was pretty fun! No life changing thoughts, but a nice dinner chat

4. Did you enjoy your partner’s company: I did! he’s a great person to eat edamame with

5. Would you do it again? Why yes/no: Yeah! Dates are not super fun, but I had a nice time & it’s great to talk to people you don’t know here in this tiny place

6. Sum the date up in 5 words: Was late, then we ate

I’d like to take a moment to congratulate Erik on an excellent comeback from his first, and failed, Peirce Date.