LYDIA ZEPEDA
23 / freelance graphic designer and copywriter
WHEN SHE IS HAPPIEST
After a long run or laughing with friends
NOTABLE QUALITIES
A work-hard, play-hard mentality
DAVID ANDRADE
30 / program recruiter
WHEN HE IS HAPPIEST
With his best friends, hanging out
WHAT MAKES HIM A CATCH
He’s fearless and relentless in pursuit of his dreams
7 P.M. VEJIGANTES, BOSTON
SURPRISE!
Lydia I went to the gym with one of my friends and listened to one of my favorite Spotify playlists. I was intrigued to see what would happen.
David To prepare, I read and listened to an episode of the Bodega Boys podcast. That put me in a positive mood.
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Lydia I showed up right on time. The hostess walked me to the table. He had his back to me. I saw him and smiled. He was cute, like a Latino guy my parents would want me to date. I could see why we were matched up.
David Lydia gave me a big hug and just started talking. She brought a very positive energy. I thought she had very nice eyes.
CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES
Lydia The first few minutes are a little foggy. I was definitely intrigued by the drink he ordered so I asked him what he had gotten.
David Lydia and I realized we are both Central American. Also, we bonded over the fact that we hated our previous jobs.
Lydia I’ve always wanted to work in a field where I give back. He seemed passionate and truly happy with his job working in nonprofits. We had more in common than I expected. Besides our Latino background, we were into running. He seemed really interested in hearing about running my first half marathon this past October.
David Lydia is kind, ambitious, and very family oriented. I also found out that she was a runner and ran a marathon.
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Lydia The Puerto Rican restaurant had really good options. We split appetizers. We were both able to show off our Spanish.
David We got pastelillos, canoa, and ceviche. We both really enjoyed the canoa so we got a second order.
Lydia There were a lot of birthdays that night in the restaurant. Every time, the waiters would come out and sing “Happy Birthday” in Spanish, we would both stop and smile.
David The thing was, there were like six birthdays, and they sang “Happy Birthday” each time.
THE PARTY’S OVER
Lydia The conversation flowed naturally, but as the night went on, I envisioned us more as friends.
David There was a point where I felt like I was on a date with my cousin. After that I just tried to be polite and enjoy the food.
Lydia He suggested grabbing drinks afterwards. I couldn’t because sadly I had a friend’s birthday. Had I not, I’m not sure I would have just because I think the date ended naturally.
David Lydia was great. I have nothing but nice things to say.
Lydia The goodbye was a bit abrupt. He didn’t ask me for my number, which I was OK with.
David I waited with Lydia for her Uber to come.
SECOND DATE?
Lydia He was really sweet and a good date but I don’t see anything past this. My parents’ type for me just might not be “my” type.
David No. She reminded me so much of my cousins that it felt odd.
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POST-MORTEM
Lydia / A-
David / A+
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