Two Day Magazine

This week, I went on a group dinner date with complete strangers.

You set up an online account on this site that posts different dinner "dates". When one interests you, you sign up to dine in a group setting. I finally found one on a night that I was off, so I signed right up for dinner; forty minutes away. Apparently no one actually dates in my current city.

The restaurant was new to me, so I googled the menu before I went like I always do. The food was specialized and even their flatbreads were fancy. I finished getting ready, went downstairs, fed the dogs and ate some tofu, myself. Don't judge me. I always eat before I go out. I'm a real bitch when I'm hungry and I certainly don't need strangers to remind me of that.

I didn't really freak out until I was driving there. What if I was seated by a wackadoo? Or an annoying girl who didn't shut up? Or one who had an annoying laugh? “Wait,” I thought to myself, “you have an annoying laugh." But, I meant was the annoying girly-flirt laugh not my hyena-esque one. And, what if the wackadoo writes down my license plate? What if someone I knew came? What if they were from my work?!?!  What if this damn double-sided tape fails? Why didn't I read the website more? You did, you did, there was nothing on it. Ugh, that creepy guy was on it. What if he was the wackadoo??

Five seconds later.... Seriously, who thinks like this? You are being ridiculous. Oh, God, what if I'm the wackadoo?  

Ten seconds later.... You are not the wackadoo. It's going to be great fun. Something wonderful may happen. Now belt it out, like you’re the-next-American-Idol, car dance at the red lights and remember to put your heels on before you walk in.

So I did; I belted, I danced at red lights and even remembered to put on my heels. I was assuming this would be organized similar to speed dating and lock & key events so I was surprised when I was the first one there. Even more surprised fifteen minutes later to still be sitting with only one other diner, Paul, and informed by our waitress there would only be four of us. The website was pretty vague but I assumed "sold out" surely meant for 8-10 people minimum.

Just as I was starting to think it would be  just the two of us, another guy walked over and introduced himself as Mike. We soon determined dater number four was a no show and I started adjusting to the fact that our group date just went to a two on one.

Mike was really good at keeping the conversation going. Overall, I'd say it went well with minimal awkwardness. After Mike informed us he lived with two cats, I revealed my allergies to them. Paul immediately, exclaimed, "Eliminated!"

We all laughed, me awkwardly, and Mike followed up with, "Wait a minute, are you making that up?"

"No," I assured him, "the allergies are real."

He became quiet, nodded his head and said, "Ok, I'll kill the cats."

As we all laughed some more and he said, "I'm serious, I'll call my roommate right now and have him kill the cats."

Well, if cats hadn't eliminated him, having a roommate who would off them surely did! He then revealed they were cool cats and the girl cat liked being spanked. Paul asked him how he knew that and a humorous demonstration followed.

The dinner was nice, although I think the two of them hit if off better with each other than myself. I would sign up for another dinner but I would try to find one with a larger grouping. So, I didn't get my something wonderful...yet. I hated to seem rude but I bolted as soon as the checks came. A good time was had by all but clearly no love connection was made. I actually had two others I needed to meet up with after our dinner. His name is Murry and her name is Lolly. Another good time was had by all and I'll admit it, curiosity got the better of me. Turns out, unlike Mike's cat, my dogs do not like being spanked.

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twoday magazine wants to know: Have you ever been on a group blind date? Share with us on our Facebook page.

Like this article? Check out other adventures with Kimmie:

     Kimmie on the Prowl: Recharge the Dating Battery

     Kimmie on the Prowl: Dating in a Downward Spiral

Kimmie is a graphic designer, full time dog-mom and aspiring aerialist. You can keep up with her craziness on her blog: Life With Dogs

Follow Kimmie on twitter at @lifewithdoggies.