Blind Date: Matthew and Rod share a love for the arts. But will their date paint a romantic connection?

This time, we paired Matthew and Rod.

First, let’s get to know Matthew:

• He’s 24 and works in finance.
• He enjoys wine, travel, art, food, TV and movies, museums, comedy, nonprofits and music.
• His ideal Charlotte day starts with matcha at home, followed by hanging at a wine bar with friends, and it ends with a jazz show.
• He describes himself as “witty, direct and caring, all while being fun-loving and approachable.”

Then there's Rod.

• He's 26 and works in interior design.
• He enjoys jogging, brewery/bar hopping with friends, going to the gym and reading.
• His ideal Charlotte day is spent with friends either by the pool or at a brewery — “but the day would have to start with me making breakfast,” he says.
• He describes himself as “an introverted extrovert who likes to have fun.”

These two creative, outgoing individuals seemed like a potential match. So, we tested their chemistry over splatter painting at Splatter Charlotte and drinks at Wooden Robot.

• I called Matthew and Rod a few days afterward to hear how the date went. Here's what they had to say.

How do you typically meet your dates?

Matthew: Nine times out of 10 it's online. Sometimes friends set me up.

• Now that I’m in a nine-to-five in the professional world, [online] is really the only time I ever meet people.

Rod: Either through dating apps like Hinge or on Instagram.

On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your conversation?

Matthew: An eight or nine. It was slow at first, but it picked up.

• After Splatter, we went to Wooden Robot and it was easier to chat there.

Rod: A six or seven.

• I don’t think our interests were exactly aligned, but it was easy to talk to him.

How would you describe your chemistry?

Matthew: Romantically, he just wasn’t my type. But from a friend perspective, the chemistry was good.

• The date felt like I was hanging out with someone I already knew.

Rod: I don’t think there was much chemistry between us.

• It seemed like a mutual feeling.

What are your thoughts on the date overall?

Matthew: Splatter was a great activity, but it felt a little intimate for a first date.

• Wooden Robot felt like a much more typical setting.

Rod: The activity was cool. It gives you something to do and breaks down walls.

• We were able to actually talk more at Wooden Robot, though.

What’s next? How did you leave it?

Matthew: We left things pretty neutral.

• I sent a text saying to get home safely and that it was nice to meet him.
• We had some mutual friends, so I could see us hanging out with them in the future.
• Overall, it was a more positive experience than I thought it was gonna be.

Rod: We exchanged a couple texts, basically saying it was nice getting to meet each other.

• I don’t think we’ll go on another date, but I’d pursue a friendship.

Before we hang up, I have to know — who’s keeping the canvas?

Matthew: Rod is. He’s an interior designer, so I figured he’d appreciate it more.

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