In the latest instalment of The Guardian's long-running Blind Date column, two strangers were paired for a dinner encounter in the heart of London, resulting in a promising connection and an evening cut short by an unexpected mishap.
The Date: Tapas and Conversation in Borough Market
Karyshma, a 27-year-old financial data analyst, met Arun, a 36-year-old radiographer, at Parrillan restaurant in London's SE1 postcode. Seeking a break from the "Hinge monotony," Karyshma hoped for a memorable evening orchestrated by fate, or at least by the Guardian's matchmaking team. Arun was simply looking for someone interesting and easy to talk to.
First impressions were positive, with both noting each other's warm smiles. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, covering a wide range of topics from family dynamics and cultural identity to shared interests in films, books, and a mutual appreciation for Reggae Reggae crisps. They discovered a surprising amount of common ground, matching each other's energy well throughout the meal.
Awkward Moments and High Marks
The evening was not without its lighter, awkward moments. The pair admitted to a minor standoff over finishing the last bits of their tapas, requiring several prompts from the waitress. Arun also confessed to showcasing his "terrible sense of direction" on the walk afterwards, while he felt his passionate, spoiler-free book synopses may have come across as a bit too intense.
Despite these hiccups, the compliments flowed freely. Karyshma praised Arun's impeccable table manners and his skill as a conversationalist, describing him as open, family-oriented, and relatable. Arun, in turn, was charmed by Karyshma's confidence, intelligence, and engaging laugh.
A Premature End and Future Plans
The date concluded earlier than planned due to a practical problem: Karyshma's contact lens fell out. "We had to cut it short," she explained. Demonstrating his manners, Arun walked her to her bus stop and waited with her, a gesture she greatly appreciated. When asked about a parting kiss, Karyshma confirmed there wasn't one, while Arun playfully replied, "A gentleman never tells."
Karyshma awarded the evening a solid 8 out of 10, citing good food and excellent company, though she noted the venue was quite loud. Arun declined to give marks, preferring compliments, but ultimately conceded a "10." Both expressed a clear interest in meeting again. "There wasn't an instant romantic spark," Karyshma said, "but I'm happy to see how things develop." Arun was more definitive: "Yes, definitely, I'd be interested to find out more about her." Crucially, they exchanged numbers before parting ways.
The Guardian's Blind Date column, which has been pairing strangers since 2009, continues to offer a charming alternative to algorithm-driven dating apps, proving that sometimes, a little old-fashioned matchmaking can lead to a very modern connection.
