How did you meet? Friend set us up via email. She's his cousin.

Name: John (My New Year's Day date)

Height: 6'0"

Age: 31

Occupation: architect (so was Date 62)

Good quotes from date:

Him: "I feel totally comfortable and relaxed because we know someone in common."

Me: "I feel like I should be on my best behavior because we know someone in common."

Why is he still single? I'm not sure. He's cute and funny and super nice.

Did he pay for the date? Yes. He offered because I went to his neighborhood.

Did he contact you after the date? He asked me to text him when I got home because, I quote: "I want to make sure you get home safely, since I can't walk you to your door." (sweet)

How many dates did you go on? 1

Would you recommend to a friend? Yes

Comments:

I liked the idea of having a first date on January 1st to start off the new year right. In my lifetime I've had only three set-up dates. One where my cousin set me up with a co-worker eons ago, and another last year where a friend set me up with her former roommate (see #38). I'm totally willing to go on a set-up date because it's easy. I don't have to engage in witty banter for weeks over email and I trust that my friends know me.

But that doesn't mean they know who I'm going to click with. It's still up to us to stir up some chemistry. Sadly, with John there wasn't any of that. Although he is sweet, smart and funny, at too many points during the date we both found ourselves fascinated more by the Giants game on TV than our conversation. Note: I don't like football**. So there you are.

I cannot explain what it is about set-ups specifically but all I can say is this - They don't work! At least not for me. Have they worked for you? Share your stories in the comments. I'm very curious.

**I actually watched the Superbowl in its entirety; a first for me. About as exciting as this date.