# Lasagna, Sci-Fi, and the Perfect Filter
I make a killer lasagna. I’m talking slow-cooked ragu, béchamel from scratch, the works. For years, my dating strategy was basically trying to find someone who would appreciate a three-hour cooking session followed by a movie marathon, rather than dragging me out to a loud bar where I can't hear myself think.
Most apps felt like a catalogue of people jumping out of planes or posing in nightclubs. I felt a bit boring in comparison. I didn't want an adrenaline rush; I wanted someone to share a couch with. I was skeptical about trying another platform, mostly because I hate filling out bios that sound like job interviews. But I decided to give it one more shot, specifically looking for a place that highlighted lifestyle compatibility over flashy photos.
That’s when I discovered the specific search filters on this new site. It wasn't just age or location; you could actually filter by "Ideal Weekend." It sounds like a small detail, but for a homebody foodie like me, it was a game-changer. I didn't have to guess if someone was into hiking (I am definitely not) or if they preferred takeout and Netflix.
I logged into https://naomidate.com/ and immediately set my preferences to 'Cooking' and 'Movie Nights'. It filtered out all the party animals and adrenaline junkies instantly. It felt efficient, almost like ordering from a well-organized menu.
I matched with Elena. Her profile didn't mention "wanderlust." Instead, she listed her top three comfort foods and argued that *The Empire Strikes Back* is the only Star Wars movie that matters. I knew we'd get along.
Our first date wasn't at a fancy restaurant. I invited her over—bold move, I know—but we video chatted first to make sure we weren't serial killers. I made the lasagna. I was actually pretty nervous and nearly burned the garlic bread because I was distracted talking to her while chopping parsley.
When she arrived, she brought a tub of artisanal gelato and sweatpants in her bag "just in case we get comfortable." We ate, we argued about movie plot holes, and we fell asleep halfway through the second film. There were no fireworks or dramatic confessions. Just a really good rhythm. It felt easy, like we’d been doing this for years. And honestly, that’s better than magic.
