About the daters ...

First thing
in the morning ...

Brian: I am a workaholic who rarely takes days off. I no longer set an alarm clock and prefer to just wake up when the time is right. Therefore, I have to first ascertain exactly what day it is and what important things I was going to do.

Shelly: Look outside ... what kind of adventure will today bring?

Your type ...

Brian: Brunette, skinny/athletic with a wild wit, thin morals and a disdain for outward displays of material excess. She’s got to appreciate the safety of an SUV but still care about the environment. She’s got to love sports, if only for the competition and/or commercial component. She better be cool with loud music being played past 10 p.m. She’s a strict organizer, but the thought of last-minute planning makes her heart flutter.

Shelly: I’m 5-9 and like to wear heels so he needs to be at least 6 [feet], if not taller. I like broad shoulders and athletic builds. I have a thing for redheads. Not flaming red but more of a rusty brown/auburn red. [The] Brawny paper towel man is my dream guy.

Your idea of funny ...

Brian: Sarcastically infused people watching. She knows situational irony and exploits it, delivering awkward-funny in her wake.

Shelly: I’m a little crass sometimes, so someone that isn’t afraid to be out there with their humor.

Interests to share ...

Brian: I’m a huge scuba diver; if she isn’t licensed, that would be our first vacation priority. Having a partner as dedicated to her career as I am to mine would allow us to work longer hours and at the same time feel committed to the other half.

Shelly: Looking for someone who wants to be adventurous and go hiking, rafting, trail running, camping, take weekend trips, go sky diving, but likes quiet down time as well.

About the date ...

7:30 p.m., Lilit Cafe, Bethesda

Shelly: I have a weakness for gingers, so I was just praying that he was going to be my type of redhead. I got there at, like, 6:36, so I just walked around the area and went in around 7:15. I got myself a glass of wine and picked a seat that was facing the doorway.

Brian: I was very excited to meet someone new. I Googled how to do a first date, and I Yelped the restaurant to make sure I knew what I was getting into. I got there just a little bit early.

Shelly: The restaurant wasn’t busy, so you couldn’t miss who the other was. He had his hair cut different than he normally wears it because he was going to an ’80s party — he literally had a flattop. So when he walked in, I was like, “That is awesome.” For real. I love individuality. [And] he wasn’t pasty. He has a tan skin complexion [and] this awesome, fluffy beautiful red hair. It was the perfect color.

Brian: She was right in the front window, and a wave of light came in and her whole table lit up. As soon as I saw her, I was like, “I want to sit at that table.” She’s exactly physically what I was looking for. She was tall, she had style, and she had that look. [Date Lab] knocked it out of the park.

Shelly: I just started laughing to myself like, Here we go, it’s game time. He smiled and I got up, and we went to shake hands but then went into a hug. We’re both extroverts, so we went right into a very candid conversation.