Leslie and Matt met at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Rotunda and went to Michael’s Bistro.
Leslie: I thought that [Love Connection was] something way out of my comfort zone, and as a fourth-year this was my last chance to do it.
Matt: I’ve never been on a blind date before. I’ve been on dates, but never a blind date. I don’t really know what I was expecting. I was just expecting two people sitting down having some good conversations over a meal.
Leslie: I was sitting on a rocking chair because I was early, and I was looking at every person that passed, but they weren’t Matt.
Matt: She was sitting outside one of the rooms and I walked by and said “Leslie?” and she said “Matt?” and we walked to the Corner.
Leslie: I noticed his accent right away and asked him if he’s from New York. I thought he was good-looking.
Matt: She smiled, and that’s always a welcoming moment. We definitely got off on a good foot as far as her personality. I knew it wasn’t going to be a quiet evening which was good. I thought she was attractive.
Leslie: The conversation was lively, ongoing and both of us had a lot to say. We bounced around among a lot of different topics.
Matt: We went to Michael’s Bistro; she said she’s never been there before.
Leslie: We were both transfer students. We both have the same views on the social life here at U.Va., and both like the Yankees. Thank god he wasn’t a Mets fan.
Matt: It was [a] good conversation. We definitely touched on a lot of things — we started with the basics. She talked about how she’s going to Oracle, we talked about travel. There were definitely some humorous points too.
Leslie: We both ordered the exact same thing at dinner — lamb tacos.
Matt: There wasn’t heavy flirting. I think we flirted, but it was more of a meet somebody type of vibe. I toned it down.
Leslie: I wasn’t flirting; I don’t think he was flirting. I think it was just two people having good conversation. If I were flirting, he would know.
Matt: I didn’t give her my number — I’m not 100 percent sure why. I certainly would go on another date with her in that regard. I kept it more at a friendly meeting.
Leslie: I’d go on another date again. I would probably do it as friends, I don’t know if I’d pursue a romantic connection.
Matt: I paid. Afterwards, we continued chatting for a bit. We were together over two hours. It started with a handshake at the Rotunda, and ended with a hug at the Corner.
Leslie: We stayed there for over two hours talking, and we just kind of got up and [walked] down the Corner. I said I was walking up 14th, so we hugged and parted ways.
Matt: The date was easily a solid 8.5. As I said, she had the personality and everything.
Leslie: It was a great date. I’d rate it a solid 9.