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In the modern landscape of dating, where digital ghosting and superficial swiping have become the norm, a recommendation from a trusted friend feels like a rare insurance policy. When my best friend Mia suggested setting me up with Eric, a close friend of her boyfriend Chris, I felt a cautious optimism. Blind dates had always felt like high-stakes theater to me, but Mia’s endorsement was glowing: she described Eric as “old-school,” respectful, and incredibly steady. Our initial correspondence seemed to validate her assessment. Eric was a man of complete sentences and thoughtful inquiries. He didn’t rely on the low-effort banter of dating apps; instead, he asked about my favorite travel memories and my professional goals. After a week of pleasant digital preamble, he suggested dinner at a prestigious Italian trattoria downtown—a choice that felt intentional and sophisticated.
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