Karyshma on Arun
What were you hoping for?
A memorable evening, good company and to meet someone I wouldn’t have crossed paths with. I’m a romantic, so I like the idea of letting the universe (or the Guardian) do some matchmaking instead of the Hinge monotony.
First impressions?
Friendly smile, punctual and warm.
What did you talk about?
Instagram. Books. Film. Travel. Identity. Family. Reggae Reggae crisps. We had a surprising amount in common and matched each other’s energy well.
Most awkward moment?
Neither of us wanted to finish the last bits of tapas. The waitress came to the table a couple of times before we eventually finished it off.
Good table manners?
Impeccable, and good taste in food too.
Best thing about Arun?
He’s a really good conversationalist: he listens, responds thoughtfully, and is open about his life and experiences.
Q&AFancy a blind date?
Show
Blind date is Saturday’s dating column: every week, two
strangers are paired up for dinner and drinks, and then spill the beans
to us, answering a set of questions. This runs, with a photograph 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 put it together here.
What questions will I be asked?
We
ask about age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests and the type of
person you are looking to meet. If you do not think these questions
cover everything you would like to know, tell us what’s on your mind.
Can I choose who I match with?
No,
it’s a blind date! But we do ask you a bit about your interests,
preferences, etc – the more you tell us, the better the match is likely
to be.
Can I pick the photograph?
No, but don’t worry: we’ll choose the nicest ones.
What personal details will appear?
Your first name, job and age.
How should I answer?
Honestly
but respectfully. Be mindful of how it will read to your date, and that
Blind date reaches a large audience, in print and online.
Will I see the other person’s answers?
No. We may edit yours and theirs for a range of reasons, including length, and we may ask you for more details.
Will you find me The One?
We’ll try! Marriage! Babies!
Can I do it in my home town?
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 apply
Email blind.date@theguardian.com
Would you introduce Arun to your friends?
He would get on with anyone.
Describe Arun in three words
Open, family-oriented, relatable.
What do you think Arun made of you?
Hopefully, all positive.
Did you go on somewhere?
No, my contact lens fell out towards the end, so we had to cut it short. He walked me to the bus stop and waited for the bus with me, which I appreciated.
And … did you kiss?
No.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
The venue was quite loud, so I had to ask him to repeat himself.
Marks out of 10?
8. Good food and good company.
Would you meet again?
We’ve exchanged numbers. There wasn’t an instant romantic spark, but I’m happy to see how things develop.
Arun on Karyshma
What were you hoping for?
Someone who is interesting, personable and easy to talk to.
First impressions?
She has a lovely smile and beautiful eyes.
What did you talk about?
Family and how different it is to be the eldest versus the youngest. How Malaysia shouldn’t only be known for the food. Our film and book interests.
Most awkward moment?
Apparently I’m not very good at giving book synopses. I keep it vague because I hate spoilers.
Good table manners?
Yes, very good.
Best thing about Karyshma?
A lovely laugh and very engaging.
Would you introduce Karyshma to your friends?
Yes, they’d find her very interesting.
Describe Karyshma in three words
Confident, engaging and intelligent.
What do you think Karyshma made of you?
I think I got a bit too passionate over books, so probably a bit too intense!
Did you go on somewhere?
No, it was far too cold.
And … did you kiss?
A gentleman never tells.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
That we went the correct way to the station – I think I managed to show off my terrible sense of direction.
Marks out of 10?
I don’t give marks, I give compliments – but 10.
Would you meet again?
Yes, definitely, I’d be interested to find out more about her.
Karyshma and Arun ate at Parrillan, London SE1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
