
Our Blind Date series is proudly presented by Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery.
Husband and wife team, Dr. Bryan and Kara Criswell, know how important it is to find someone who brings out your best features. Here’s to finding the Criswell to your Criswell.
NOTE: Due to the mandatory stay at home order, the Blind Date series is paused temporarily. If you’d like to be considered for a date when the series resumes, click here to apply. Responses have been edited lightly for clarity.
Meet Adam and Kelly.
Kelly is 34 and works in HR. She loves exploring new restaurants, being on the water, and volunteering with the Charlotte Humane Society. She says she’s looking for a partner who’s curious. He has to have his own hobbies and want to explore the world together. He also needs to have a work ethic and a strong sense of purpose.
Then there’s Adam. He’s 34 and working in marketing. He enjoys golfing, breweries, and going out to eat with friends. He’s looking for a partner who’s motivated, has a good sense of humor, and likes dogs.
Back when you could leave your house (remember that? That was fun…) we sent these two to Idlewild. Here’s how it went.
How do you normally meet your dates? How do you feel about the dating scene here?
Adam: I use the dating apps relatively often. I guess for the majority of the dates that I’ve gone on. But recently, I’ve tried to stay away from that. I feel like there are plenty of people out there in Charlotte.
Kelly: I think there are a lot of nice, active, young people here. There are a lot of different types. People from different backgrounds and people with different views. I think it’s a great thing for dating. I meet my dates predominantly through the apps, but I’ve also been set up by friends.
How did you feel leading up to the date?
Adam: I mean, like any first date that you go on, there’s a little bit of nerves going into it. I was definitely excited to do something that was different.
Kelly: I felt great. From the little bit of information you shared with me he seemed good. I was very curious about the experience and excited to meet him.
What was your first impression of your date?
Adam: She had a really good smile. I’ve been on dates where someone comes in and they seem a little bit nervous and don’t feel very welcoming or warm. She seemed very excited to be there. That was definitely a positive.
Kelly: Well, he stood up when I walked in, and I always take notice of that. He was very kind and really had a calm demeanor. He was funny and sarcastic. He was just easy to be around, and easy on the eyes, for sure.
What was the date like?
Adam: We went to Idlewild. I thought it was interesting for a first date. They ask you what you like from a cocktail standpoint because they don’t have a menu. I think that was a good way to get to know a little bit more about her without having to ask that specific question. I think the date went pretty well. We had a good conversation the whole time. We connected on some things. There was an interesting scenario where she had her girlfriends prepare a list of questions for me. It was a little odd, but I wasn’t taken aback by it. Stuff like that doesn’t really bother me. I thought it actually made the date more interesting.
Kelly: We stayed at Idlewild. I had a big meeting the next day, so it was an early night. I did tell him if it was a Friday night or whatever, I would have been open to grabbing a nightcap. I think Idlewild is a great spot for a first date, or for those who want to be able to really have a conversation. It was quiet, very relaxed, very interesting. Like, the bartender sat down and asked us about our drink preferences. We both thought that was very cool. So it’s just easy to enjoy a really nice cocktail and have a conversation.

Cocktails at Idlewild
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your date’s personality?
Adam: Probably like an 8.
Kelly: Um, I’m not going to give anyone a 10, so I’d give him a 9.
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your conversation?
Adam: An 8.
Kelly: I thought that was a 9 as well.
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your chemistry?
Adam: Probably another 8.
Kelly: Well, it’s hard to tell on a first date. I’m going to be conservative and say an 8. But it’s just hard to know.
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the date overall?
Adam: An 8.
Kelly: A 9. And the only reason I’m going to give it a 9 is because I got a parking ticket! (laughs). It had nothing to do with him. But if I hadn’t gotten a parking ticket it would have been a 10.
So, can we expect a second date?
Adam: Yeah, for sure. We’re actually planning to meet up for coffee tomorrow. It’ll be different than a cocktail date. We’ll see where it goes. It’s definitely a scenario where I’d like to get to know her a little more.
Kelly: He asked for my number, and I was happy to share it with him. We’ll be grabbing coffee tomorrow morning. I think coffee dates are always nice. It’s good to see people during the day, too.
PARTICIPATE: Want the chance to get matched? Tell us about yourself in quick Agenda Blind Date Survey. Then the Agenda plays matchmaker by sending couples out on blind dates. To see past installments of the series, click here.