Before the Date: I hadn’t seen John for nearly two years. Our friendship had kind of fizzled out. Based on that experience, I wasn’t sure that we’d be compatible when we went out on our first date.

So we met at the mall. I wore a nice top and slacks. He wore a T-shirt and jeans. We wanted to go to The Cheesecake Factory, but they were too crowded. We ended up at Bertolini's instead.

During Dinner: It was a few days after Thanksgiving, and John had apparently burnt his taste buds on some very hot mints he’d eaten at the time. He told me he couldn’t taste any of his food. I could taste my food, but it wasn't very good.

Overall: The movie we saw was really good. Afterward, it was time to go home, and I was just a bit annoyed that he didn’t offer to walk me to my car.

There was nothing wrong with the date, but I wasn't sure anything would come of it. At that point, nothing much had changed, and it still felt like a friendship.

Grade: C+

Before the Date: “And no, I don’t still have that boyfriend”. That was the last thing she’d written in her reply e-mail. And all I could think about before our first date. I was very happy to know that.

During Dinner: There she was, still a petite, little cutie with a soft, sweet voice. I could not taste the food at all during dinner. My taste buds were shot. How disappointing. The only disappointing thing during that dinner, however.

Overall: The movie was great. And talking with Robyn about the movie afterwards was very stimulating. I had such a wonderful time with her. She was still shy and so was I.

“Now, how do I make a move to show her that I’m really interested in her”, that was the thought that I was pre-occupied with. Never did figure it out that night. Thankfully, I finally did.

Grade: B+. I thoroughly enjoyed our first date. I was excited by the thought of seeing her again soon.