By Marissa Heffley, Jayplay writer
Years of dating in the human species have brought up two major questions: "Is the female of the species more deadly than the male?" and "Do men ever spend more than five minutes getting ready?" Neither question is likely to be answered. However, Blind Date Bonanza presents the opportunity to do an in-depth report on the dating habits of two college students, Gina Posladek and Dennis Mersmann, the female and male, respectively.
5:15, Stauffer-Flint Hall,
Kansan Newsroom
Subjects arrive early for the courting session, a possible sign that both hope to make a good impression. The female attempts to entice the male by wearing a red shirt. The male attempts to entice the female with combed hair and clean clothes. Both subjects seem well matched for each other. Male and female both wear glasses and casual clothing.
After much debate over who has the least messy car, the female agrees to drive. She takes on the more masculine role and opens the door for her potential partner.
The male thumbs through her music collection, trying to gauge exactly what type of girl he is dating. Spotting several bands he enjoys, he settles on Weezer. As the screeching chords of "I'm Tired of Sex" begin, the female and male both find it difficult not to sing along with the band.
Both recognize the song to be strangely appropriate for their dating session, but avoid conversation on this matter.
5:45, Paisano's Ristorante, 2112 W. 25th St.
The male and female enter the restaurant. Following more traditional dating etiquette, the male subject holds open the door for the female. Upon entering the eating establishment, the couple surpasses all other reservations, much to the dismay of the dozens of couples waiting in the lounge area.
After being seated at a candlelit table complete with a rose, the couple again attempts to avoid any awkward silences with filler conversations, such as, "What kind of music do you like?" or "Where do you live?" Other questions are asked in an attempt to find more common ground.
Inquiry from the journalist leads to the discovery the two share such interests as the fondness for the television shows "Welcome Back, Cotter," and "The Wonder Years." Subjects also discover they participated in thesespl activities in high school. The experience seems to be extremely significant for the two.Journalist leaves to let the couple interact more naturally.
Subjects seem to have grown more at ease with each other. An additional source is necessary to determine their comfort level. Journalist interviews the waitress, Chau Trinh, who considers herself able in spotting lack of chemistry between couples. She reveals that the two seem slightly skeptical of each other. She is unsure of the level of attraction between the two.
6:35, Paisano's Ristorante, romantic table in the corner. Setting is reminiscent of Lady and the Tramp. Couple has just finished their salads.
Additional questioning by journalist is
necessary. Female subject reveals that she enjoys male's sarcastic sense of humor which she considers to be "not a poop sense of humor." On a Jared Leto (the subject's ideal physical partner) scale, she believes that he's "way smarter than Jordan Catalano would ever be."
Her physical interest in the subject remains questionable. When asked if she would kiss on the first date, she responds with, "I'm not that kind of girl," a comment often used by females to avoid physical contact.
An interview with male reveals he finds her physical appearance very attractive. As far as personality, subject enjoys common interests such as theater, music and wearing glasses. He hasn't discovered any personality feature he dislikes. He says he won't mind if she isn't wearing days of the week underpants, a trait he originally said to be ideal.
Male rates the date at an above average score of 7.5. When questioned about worrying he'd be a bad date, subject replied, "I've never screwed up a date, but I've never been under media scrutiny."
Fair enough. Journalist takes the hint and leaves the two alone.
7:05. Paisano's Ristorante
Couple finishes dinner. The male eats a hardy meal of steak and pasta. The girl chooses a spinach-artichoke ravioli. Both eat lots of bread. Although, the two have exceeded the amount they normally eat, they choose to order desert. Acceptance of free food at unnecessary times seems common amongst college students.
Waiting for their dessert, the two continue discussion that seems to be free flowing. Both have overcome their nervous behavior. They then make additional plans to continue interaction without scientific observation.
They decide to go to male subject's habitat to watch Lost in Translation. Both had plans to watch the movie alone before they knew they would be on the date. This seems to be a coincidence. Perhaps there is a possibility one lied to extend the evening plans.
7:30, Parking lot
Couple leaves and continues date without inviting journalist. Journalist agrees only on the condition that both subjects call journalist with details of the date.
Journalist receives telephone call from male subject. Male subject says he enjoyed "hanging out with her." He would definitely be interested in additional courtship. Subject looks forward to a possible date of watching Dazed and Confused.
10:11 p.m.
And Later on Sunday...
Journalist talks with female subject. With some prying, journalist discovered that no physical contact was made. It was not out of fear of Dennis's lip piercing. The female is interested in a date, saying, "Sure, why not?" when questioned. When further questioned about her physical attraction to the male, she replied, "I liked the fact that he was taller."
Conclusions: Male and female have great potential for a friendship. A relationship could possibly develop.
— Marissa Heffley can be reached at maheffley@kansan.com
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