Blind date: ‘She said she was out of alcohol, then smashed four glasses of wine’ | Relationships
Suraya on Gary
What did you expect?
An evening worth breaking Dry January.
First impressions?
Beautifully dressed and bubbly – my initial nerves were gone within minutes. He had a lot of energy.
What did you talk about?
His many meetings with Idris Elba. Skewers. TV. Birmingham, where we both come from, although I moved to London when I was nine. Babies, and her desire to have them.
Most embarrassing moment?
When I resorted to drinking pure cognac. In my defense, I couldn’t drink any more wine and the restaurant had run out of gin and vodka.
Table manners?
Perfect – he was a gentleman and he left me the last shrimp.
Best thing about Gary?
So easy to talk. He tried an oyster for the first time – quite impressive.
Would you introduce Gary to your friends?
He could get along with anyone.
Describe Gary in three words.
Confident, energetic, Brummie.
What do you think Gary did to you?
Probably a little clumsy. I almost walked into a glass door.
Did you go somewhere?
We went to Soho House for a few more drinks. We were hoping to catch a glimpse of a celebrity but were unlucky.
And… did you kiss?
No.
If you could change one thing tonight, what would it be?
I would stick to the sparkling wine instead of being a rogue with the cognac – I had quite a headache the next morning.
Score out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
I would, although I’m not sure there’s a romantic vibe.
Questions and answersWant to be on a blind date?
Spectacle
Blind date is Saturday’s dating column: Each week, two strangers are paired up for dinner and drinks, then spill the beans to us by answering a series of questions. It works, with a photo we take of each dater before the date, in Saturday magazine (in the UK) and online at theguardian.com every Saturday. It’s been running since 2009 – you can read all about how we set it up here.
What questions will I ask myself?
We ask about age, location, profession, hobbies, interests and the type of person you are looking to meet. If you think these questions don’t cover everything you’d like to know, let us know what you think.
Can I choose who I match with?
No, it’s a blind date! But we ask you a bit about your interests, preferences, etc. – the more you tell us, the better the match will be.
Can I choose the photo?
No, but don’t worry: we will choose the most beautiful ones.
What personal information will appear?
Your first name, your job and your age.
How should I respond?
Honestly but respectfully. Be aware of how it will read on your date, and Blind date reaches a wide audience, in print and online.
Will I see the other person’s answers?
No. We may change yours and theirs for various reasons, including length, and we may ask you for more details.
Will you find me The One?
We will try! Marriage! Babies!
Can I do it in my hometown?
Only if it’s in the UK. Many of our applicants live in London, but we would love to hear from people living elsewhere.
How to register
Email blind.date@theguardian.com
Gary on Suraya
What did you expect?
An evening of fun, flirtation and fishing.
First impressions?
Very cute. She rocked in a leather jacket and told me she had abstained from alcohol for a few months, before she proceeded to crush four glasses of sparkling wine.
What did you talk about?
His DJ days. I pushed Arctic Monkeys into the conversation, but was met with a blank expression.
Most embarrassing moment?
When I asked, “Has alcohol ever touched you?” spilling my own glass.
Table manners?
She had amazing shrimp peeling skills.
The best thing about Suraiya?
Down to earth. She works in finance, but we soon talked about growing up in the Midlands, traveling and McDonald’s.
Would you introduce Suraiya to your friends?
Yes.
Describe Suraiya in three words.
Driven, fun, laid back.
What do you think Suraiya did to you?
I have absolutely no idea.
Did you go somewhere?
We had a few drinks at Soho House.
And… did you kiss?
We did not do it.
If you could change one thing tonight, what would it be?
I ended up with a glass of red, a white and a goblet of Laphroaig. Trying to cover it all up was a bad idea.
Score out of 10?
Let’s go old fashioned: A*
Would you meet again?
I’m sure we would.
Suraiya and Gary ate at Orasay, London, W11. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
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