First Date English: Cheesecake, Teasing and Café Small Talk

English transcript

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I see you already ordered the cheesecake.

You promised nothing, remember?

I promised nothing, and I kept my promise.

This is only a small piece.

That piece is bigger than my hand.

You have no shame at all.

I worked eight hours today, and I skipped lunch completely.

I deserve it.

Fine.

But if you fall asleep during our conversation, I will leave.

I'll stay awake.

I've been looking forward to this since Monday.

Me too, honestly.

I changed my clothes three times before coming here.

Three times?

I only changed my shirt once, and it was dirty anyway.

That's a terrible thing to admit on a first date.

Say something better.

Okay, I also cleaned my flat this morning, in case you ever visit.

That's a strange thing to plan before we've even sat down together.

I know.

I told you I'm simple and I plan things too early.

It's fine.

I planned our meeting place, so we're even now.

So, how was your week?

You said work was busy when we last wrote.

Very busy.

I translated a contract about a bridge, and it took three days.

A bridge?

That sounds boring, but also important for the city.

It was boring.

I fell asleep twice at my desk, and my colleague laughed.

What does your colleague say about your Tinder adventures?

She says I'm brave.

She would never meet a stranger from the Internet.

My friends say the same thing, but they still ask for every detail.

Do you tell them everything?

I hope you don't describe my photos.

I only said you have a nice smile and you write in full sentences.

Full sentences.

That's the strangest compliment I've ever received.

It's a real compliment.

Most people write three words and disappear.

True.

One man wrote only, hey, and then asked why I didn't answer.

What did you do with him?

Did you give him a second chance?

No, I deleted the conversation and made myself a cup of tea.

Good decision.

I would have done exactly the same thing.

So tell me about your week.

Did any bicycle explode in your shop?

Almost.

A man brought a bike so old that the wheels were square.

Square wheels?

That's impossible.

You're inventing stories now.

Not square, but close.

The tires were flat for maybe five years.

Five years?

Why would someone keep a bicycle like that?

It belonged to his father, and he couldn't throw it away.

That's sad and sweet at the same time.

Did you repair it?

I tried, but the frame was broken.

I told him the truth.

How did he react?

Some people get angry when they hear bad news.

He was quiet for a moment, then he thanked me and took it home.

So he kept it anyway.

Some things are more than objects.

Exactly.

I think you understand people better than you admit.

I listen.

That's different from understanding, but it helps.

Do you listen to your clients too, or only to sad bicycle stories?

I listen to everyone.

That's why my job is tiring sometimes.

I never thought about translation that way.

It sounds lonely.

It is lonely, but I like words.

I like finding the right one.

What's your favorite word in English?

I'm curious now.

Twilight.

It sounds soft, and it means something beautiful.

Twilight.

I like that.

My favorite word is sprocket.

Sprocket?

Of course the bicycle man chooses a bicycle word.

It's a funny word.

It sounds like something falling down the stairs.

You're right.

Now I'll think about falling stairs every time I see a bike.

Good.

Then you'll think about me, and that's the whole plan.

Was that your plan?

To put strange words in my head?

Yes.

Simple plans are the best ones.

They always work.

So far it's working.

I've smiled more tonight than all week.

Me too.

My face hurts a little, and that's a good sign.

Should we order something warm?

The cafe is getting cold.

Yes, I'll take tea with lemon.

My mother says it's good for the throat.

Your mother?

Do you still listen to your mother's advice?

Sometimes.

She's 70, and she knows everything about colds.

My mother lives in Poland, and she calls me every Sunday evening.

Every Sunday?

That's a lot of phone calls.

What do you talk about?

Everything.

The weather, my cat, and why I'm still not married.

Ah, that question.

My parents ask me the same thing every birthday.

What do you tell them?

I never know what to say.

I tell them I'm waiting for the right person, not the first person.

That's a good answer.

I'll steal it for next Sunday.

You can have it.

I have many answers like that.

All unused.

Unused?

So you've been alone for a long time too?

Two years, like I said.

The first year was the hardest.

For me, it was the second year.

The first one, I was too busy crying.

That's honest.

Most people pretend they were fine immediately.

I wasn't fine.

I ate soup for dinner for six months.

Soup?

Only soup?

That's not a real diet.

You need meat and vegetables.

Now you sound like my grandmother.

She said the same thing.

Your grandmother was right.

Soup alone cannot fix a broken heart.

Nothing fixes it.

Time fixes it, and friends, and small routines.

And maybe new people.

That's why we're sitting here tonight.

Maybe.

I didn't believe that a month ago, but now I'm not sure.

Not sure about what?

About Tinder or about me?

About both.

I came here expecting nothing, and now I'm surprised.

Surprised in a good way, I hope?

You're still sitting here.

I am, and your cheesecake is almost gone, so you must be relaxed.

I am relaxed That rare for me on a first date What usually happens on your first dates Tell me honestly Usually I talk about bicycles for an hour and nobody stops me Tonight I stopped you twice so you learning something I'm learning that I like being stopped by you.

Careful, that sounded almost romantic and we're only on date one.

I know, I'll save the romantic sentences for the second date.

Good, then I have something to look forward to.

Does that mean there will be a second date?

Ask me after the tea.

I make all important decisions after tea.

Then drink quickly.

I'll wait, but I'll be nervous.

You don't look nervous.

You look like a man with a full stomach.

Inside, I'm counting the minutes until you answer.

Okay, okay.

The tea is good, the cafe is warm, and I'm happy.

Is that a guess?

I need a clear answer, please.

Yes, Oscar.

There will be a second date.

Now breathe.

Good.

I was holding my breath for the last two minutes.

I noticed.

Your face was turning a strange color.

That's my normal color in stressful situations.

You'll learn it.

I want to learn it.

That's a strange thing to say, but it's true.

It's not strange.

I want to learn your habits, too.

My habits are boring.

I wake up early and I talk to my cat.

Bruno.

The gray and demanding one.

I remember.

You keep remembering his name.

Bruno will like you.

I hope so.

Cats can smell fear, and I'm afraid of cats.

You repair bicycles, but you're afraid of a small gray cat?

Bicycles don't jump on my head at three in the morning.

Bruno does that sometimes.

He sits on my face when he's hungry.

Then I'll bring him a treat and hope for the best.

Bring two treats.

He's demanding, and one is never enough.

Two treats for Bruno.

Noted.

What else should I know?

I hate loud restaurants, and I can't dance at all.

I can't dance either.

My last dance was at my cousin's wedding.

How was it?

Did people laugh at you?

My uncle filmed it, and the video is still on his phone.

That's a dangerous video.

You should delete it.

I tried, but my uncle loves it.

He shows it to everyone.

Then we'll never dance together.

That's a rule now.

Agreed.

We'll sit, talk, and eat cheesecake instead.

That sounds like a perfect plan for two old people.

We're not old.

We're just tired of pretending to be young.

That's the best sentence you've said all evening.

Then I'll write it down and use it again next time.

You write things down?

Like a diary?

Like short notes in my phone.

Ideas for stories, mostly.

You still write stories?

You mentioned that when we texted.

Yes, but I haven't finished one in a year.

They all stop halfway.

Why do they stop?

Is it the ending that's difficult?

Maybe.

Endings are hard when you don't know how things end.

That's true for stories and for people, I think.

So we're both unfinished stories sitting in a cafe with cold tea.

That's a sad thought, but it makes me smile anyway.

Good.

Sad thoughts are better with company, and so is tea.

Should we order a second cup?

I'm not ready to go home yet.

Neither am I. The evening is finally getting comfortable.

Then stay.

Tell me about the short story you almost finished.

It's about a man who repairs old things and can't repair himself.

That sounds like you.

Is it really about you?

A little.

Writers always hide in their stories, even bad ones.

I want to read it, the unfinished version, if you still have it.

Maybe.

I need to think about it first.

It feels like standing naked.

I understand.

I won't ask again tonight.

Thank you, but I'll remember that you asked.

Good.

Remembering is your specialty, apparently.

It is.

I remember your smile from the photos, and it's the same.

The same?

I was sure I looked tired tonight.

You look like a person who is exactly where she wants to be.

I am.

That's a surprising thing to admit on a first date.

It's not surprising.

It's just honest, and honesty is rare.

Then let's be honest until the tea is finished.

Okay.

I'm happy, and I don't want this evening to end.

Me neither.

But Bruno is waiting and he gets angry when I'm late.

Then I'll walk you to the bus stop.

It's cold outside.

You don't have to.

It's only ten minutes from here.

I know.

I want to.

That's different from having to.

Fine.

But don't talk about bicycles on the way.

I promise.

I'll talk about the weather like a nervous man.

That's acceptable.

The weather is always a safe subject.

Then let's pay and go.

I'll get the cheesecake.

You get the tea.

No, we split everything.

I don't like being treated like a guest.

Okay, half and half.

You're a difficult woman, Maria.

I know, but you're still walking me to the bus stop.

I am, and I'm already thinking about the second date.

I am too.

New dialogues and stories every day.

Available in 21 subtitle languages.

You can practice all these dialogues sentence by sentence using the interactive player on our website.

Link in the description.

Up next, the lesson based on this dialogue.

If you want to skip it, just jump to the next scene.

Good morning!

Today we will practice English with a conversation between Maria and Oscar in a cafe on their first date.

Listen carefully and repeat after me.

Our first sentence, I see you already ordered the cheesecake.

You promised nothing, remember?

Repeat.

I see you already ordered the cheesecake.

You promised nothing, remember?

Let's practice the word promised.

Here are five examples.

Example one, She promised to call me after work.

Example 2 He promised his son a trip to the zoo.

Example 3 They promised to help us move the furniture Example 4 I promised myself I would go to bed earlier Example 5.

We promised the children ice cream if they were quiet.

I understand.

A promise is something you say you will really do.

Exactly.

Next sentence.

I worked eight hours today and I skipped lunch completely.

I deserve it.

Repeat.

I worked eight hours today and I skipped lunch completely.

I deserve it.

Let's practice the word deserve.

Here are five examples.

Example 1, you worked hard all week so you deserve a rest.

You worked hard all week so you deserve a rest.

Example 2, after that long walk we deserve a hot meal.

After that long walk we deserve a hot meal.

Example 3, she helped everyone so she deserves some thanks.

She helped everyone, so she deserves some thanks.

Example 4, he saved money for a year and deserved his holiday.

He saved money for a year and deserved his holiday.

Example 5, they finished the project early and deserve a break.

They finished the project early and deserve of a break.

I understand.

If you deserve something, you have earned it.

Exactly.

Next sentence, I've been looking forward to this since Monday.

Repeat.

I've been looking forward to this since Monday.

Let's practice the phrase looking forward to.

Here are five examples.

Example one, I'm looking forward to the weekend.

I'm looking forward to the weekend.

Example two, She's looking forward to meeting your family.

Example 3 We're looking forward to the concert on Friday.

Example 4 He's looking forward to a quiet evening at home.

Example 5 They're looking forward to their holiday by the sea.

They're looking forward to their holiday by the sea.

I understand.

Looking forward to means you are excited about something coming soon.

Exactly.

Next sentence, I translated a contract about a bridge and it took three days.

Repeat.

I translated a contract about a bridge and it took three days.

Let's practice the word translated.

Here are five examples.

Example 1, she translated the letter from German into English.

Example 2, he translated the menu for the new restaurant.

Example 3, they translated the song into three languages.

They translated the song into three languages.

Example 4.

I translated the instructions for my grandmother.

Example 5.

We translated the whole website last summer.

We translated the whole website last summer.

I understand.

To translate is to change words from one language into another.

Exactly.

Next sentence.

I deleted the conversation and made myself a cup of tea.

Repeat.

I deleted the conversation and made myself a cup of tea.

Let's practice the word deleted.

Here are five examples.

Example 1.

He deleted the old photos from his phone.

He deleted the old photos from his phone.

Example 2.

She deleted the message by mistake.

She deleted the message by mistake.

Example 3.

They deleted the file before the meeting.

Example 4.

I deleted three emails this morning.

Example 5.

We deleted the app because it was too slow.

I understand.

If you delete something, you remove it completely.

Exactly.

Next sentence.

The tires were flat for maybe five years.

Repeat.

The tires were flat for maybe five years.

Let's practice the word flat.

Here are five examples.

Example 1.

The car had a flat tire on the highway.

The car had a flat tire on the highway.

Example 2.

My bike has a flat front wheel.

My bike has a flat front wheel.

Example 3.

We need to fix the flat tire before we leave.

Example 4.

He walked home because his tire went flat.

Example 5.

The old ball is flat and won't bounce.

The old ball is flat and won't bounce.

I understand.

Flat means there is no air inside, so it cannot hold its shape.

Exactly.

Next sentence.

Some things are more than objects.

Repeat.

Some things are more than objects.

Let's practice the word objects.

Here are five examples.

Example 1.

The museum keeps old objects from the city's past.

The museum keeps old objects from the city's past.

Example 2.

She keeps small objects from her travels.

Example 3 These objects belonged to my grandfather These objects belonged to my grandfather Example 4 The room was full of strange objects.

The room was full of strange objects.

Example 5.

Some objects in the shop are very expensive.

Some objects in the shop are very expensive.

I understand.

An object is something you can see and touch.

Exactly.

Next sentence.

It sounds soft and it means something beautiful.

Repeat.

It sounds soft and it means something beautiful.

Let's practice the word soft.

Here are five examples.

Example 1.

The cat's fur is very soft.

The cat's fur is very soft.

Example 2.

Her voice was soft and calm.

Example 3.

The bed in that hotel was soft and warm.

Example 4.

He wore a soft blue shirt.

Example 5.

The music was soft and easy to sleep to.

I understand.

Soft describes something gentle or smooth to touch or hear.

Exactly.

Next sentence.

I tell them I'm waiting for the right person, not the first person.

Repeat.

I tell them I'm waiting for the right person, not the first person.

Let's practice the phrase waiting for.

Here are five examples.

Example 1.

I'm waiting for the bus at the corner.

I'm waiting for the bus at the corner.

Example 2 She's waiting for her friend outside the café.

She's waiting for her friend outside the café.

Example 3 We're waiting for the rain to stop.

We're waiting for the rain to stop.

Example 4 He's waiting for an answer from the office.

He's waiting for an answer from the office.

Example 5 They're waiting for the film to begin.

They're waiting for the film to begin.

I understand.

Waiting for means staying somewhere until something happens.

Exactly.

Next sentence.

Nothing fixes it.

Time fixes it and friends and small routines.

Repeat.

Nothing fixes it.

Time fixes it and friends and small routines.

Let's practice the word routines.

Here are five examples.

Example 1.

My morning routines help me start the day calmly.

Example 2.

She has simple routines for cleaning the house.

Example 3.

Good routines make life easier.

Example 4.

His evening routines include a short walk.

Example 5.

We changed our routines after the baby arrived.

I understand.

Routines are things you do regularly, again and again.

Exactly.

Next sentence.

I came here expecting nothing, and now I'm surprised.

Repeat.

I came here expecting nothing, and now I'm surprised.

Let's practice the word expecting.

Here are five examples.

Example one.

I'm expecting a call from my sister.

I'm expecting a call from my sister.

Example two.

She's expecting good news today.

She's expecting good news today.

Example three.

We're expecting about 20 guests.

We're expecting about 20 guests.

Example 4.

He wasn't expecting such a difficult question.

He wasn't expecting such a difficult question.

Example 5.

They're expecting the train to arrive at 6.

They're expecting the train to arrive at 6.

I understand.

Expecting means you think something will happen.

Exactly.

And here is our last sentence.

I'm happy, and I don't want this evening to end.

Repeat.

I'm happy and I don't want this evening to end.

Let's practice the word end.

Here are five examples.

Example 1.

The film will end at 9.

The film will end at 9.

Example 2.

The meeting ended earlier than usual.

The meeting ended earlier than usual.

Example 3.

I don't want the holiday to end.

I don't want the holiday to end.

Example 4.

The story ends with a quiet dinner.

The story ends with a quiet dinner.

Example 5.

The rain ended and the sun came out.

The rain ended and the sun came out.

I understand.

End means to finish or to stop.

Exactly.

Let's finish with a short summary.

Today, we practiced useful words and phrases like promised, no shame, deserve, looking forward to, translated, deleted, flat, objects, soft, waiting for, routines, expecting, habits, and end.

Well done today.

Thank you.

I enjoyed practicing these words, and I feel ready to use them.

New dialogues and stories every day.

available in 21 subtitle languages.

You can practice all these dialogues sentence by sentence using the interactive player on our website.

Link in the description.