Blind date: Mike and Ailsa share dinner but no spark

Mike was hoping for good conversation with someone interesting. Ailsa wanted some good craic and a free dinner.

Ailsa arrived smiling and full of energy. Mike noticed her warmth right away. Both showed up early. Ailsa wished Mike had stood up when she reached the table.

They talked about family, jobs, travel and their unpopular opinions. Ailsa is passionate about live music. Mike is not, though he mentioned his brother’s theory that all indie music sounds like it belongs on The Inbetweeners.

Conversation dipped at times. Mike asked about weekend plans when ideas ran low. At the end of the night Mike tried to shake Ailsa’s hand while she went in for a hug. Mike also told Ailsa that his family had arranged the date for him.

Both said the other had excellent table manners. Mike liked Ailsa’s positive energy and the way she kept trying to make the evening work. Ailsa enjoyed Mike’s stories drawn from a wide range of life experiences.

Mike would probably not introduce Ailsa to his friends because they move in different circles. Ailsa said Mike would fit right in with hers.

Mike described Ailsa as energetic, positive and independent. Ailsa called Mike amiable, funny and polite.

Ailsa hoped to meet someone quirky like herself. She thought Mike found her pleasant but not quite what he was looking for. Mike said he could not tell what Ailsa thought of him.

They did not go on anywhere after dinner. It was a school night and they had already drunk quite a bit of wine. Neither felt a moment when a kiss would have made sense.

Mike wished they had sat in a corner seat instead of a booth. Ailsa wished she had saved room for the main course after learning the meal had three courses.

Mike gave the date 7 out of 10 and said it was a decent evening with someone genuinely different from him. Ailsa gave it 8. Both said they would not meet again because there was no strong connection.