Encomium
Many of us remember our first dates. Some had an exciting time, while others couldn’t wait to forget the experience.
Spending time for the first time with someone fond of you brings back some nostalgia…
ALEX OKOROJI
Can you remember your first date?
Yes, I can. And I do remember because I waited almost four or five days to get a call from him. He was in my dreams every night.
Where was it?
Part one of the date was in his car. I remember this, because we sat in there for an hour or two. He was just staring at me and telling me how cute I was. I finally summoned the courage to make small talk as my heart kept beating fast (he was the most breath-taking man I had ever seen at the time).
Then we eventually drove to a barbecue stand somewhere around 21 Road, Festac, Lagos and I eventually got the best barbecue and salad combo I had been dreaming of.
What was the experience like?
Amazing! I mean it wasn’t a fancy date by any standard, but it’s probably still one of the best dates I’ve ever had. Unpretentious – surreal, so natural, I was just content with being in his presence and it was the same for him. It was in my final year in high school, I had just finished my WAEC and I was looking forward to exploring my feelings and the world outside boarding school.
LAWRENCE ONUZULIKE
Can you remember your first date?
Yes, I can.
Where was it?
It was in school, Komvux Utbildningen in Sweden, where I was studying Swedish language and she was doing Economics. She was everything I detested in a woman. She smokes, drinks and she’s very noisy, the notice-me type. So for that, I could hardly stand her. When our school went on an excursion to Kho Samui Island in Thailand for a week, one night she approached where I was sitting on the beach. She sat beside me and told me she likes me. First I was shocked because I used to be very shy then. But as the conversation progressed I told her she seems nice but in my country girls don’t drink and smoke a lot (I was really naive then). She asked me if she stops smoking and drinking whether I’ll become her friend. I accepted. Just there and then, she pulled a packet of cigarette from her purse and tossed it away. It was like magic but she actually stopped. From being friends we started dating and she even came visiting Nigeria with me and acted in the popular TV soap, Candle Light alongside Saint Obi. She was the one who actually opened my eyes and taught me whatever I know about women today. She’s from Denmark.
What was the experience like?
The experience was great. She was very matured for her age and she was patient with me and taught me a lot. We’re still best friends. Anytime I travel to Europe she always comes around to eat egusi and ogbono.
LEYE ADESHILE
Can you remember your first date?
It was in 1993 with an Igbo girl called Ifeoma.
Where was it?
At secondary school, though back then in Mushin.
What was the experience like?
It was a very lovely one because it was a juvenile relationship.
BIOLA IGE
Can you remember your first date?
Yes, I can.
Where was it?
My first date was back in 2000 during my secondary school in Wukari, Taraba state, I was introduced to him by his brother. He was a son of an Ex Governor. It was beautiful because it was the first time I will ever ride in a sport car, a white one for that matter.
What was the experience like?
We didn’t go out for dinner or anything like that because of the fear of getting caught by my father, so we drove round town after school and talked and laughed for a while. Over all, it was a beautiful experience I will always cherish.
ADUNNI ADEWALE
Can you remember your first date?
Yes, I do recall. My first date which was with my ex back in 2006.
Where was it?
It was at a nice and decent restaurant O’Charliey’s in Lexington, Kentucky.
What was the experience like?
It was a pleasant experience, meeting someone new, being shy to eat, having conversations and getting to know each other. The date was a beautiful one.
-SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN
