Sabah on David
What were you hoping for?
In an ideal world, my last first date. Failing that, an entertaining voice note for my pals.
First impressions?
Handsome, friendly and immediately put me at ease. You know you’re off to a good start when a blind date begins with a hug.
What did you talk about?
All the topics you’re supposed to avoid on a first date: religion, politics and money.
Most awkward moment?
There was an incident with his white jumper, a fork and the beef bourguignon.
Good table manners?
Yes, he’s definitely eaten in public before.
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
Best thing about David?
His friendly attitude, and being genuinely nice to the restaurant staff. A big green flag for that.
Would you introduce David to your friends?
In theory, yes – though I’m not quite sure he would be prepared for them …
Describe David in three words.
Kind, smart and curious.
What do you think David made of you?
Hopefully that I’m a woman who knows exactly who she is and what she wants.
Did you go on somewhere?
We shared an umbrella to the tube.
And … did you kiss?
We did not.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Probably the weather. I’m much more of a sunshine and rooftop dining kinda gal.
Marks out of 10?
A solid 8.
Would you meet again?
Definitely. We have a second date in the diary, which I am looking forward to.
David on Sabah
What were you hoping for?
Putting myself back out there for the first time in a while, I was hoping for a much-needed change from the apps.
First impressions?
Warm. I felt comfortable with Sabah straight away.
What did you talk about?
Dating as Muslims. Solo travelling. Our mutual passion for charity work and volunteering. Dating horror stories.
Most awkward moment?
Trying and failing to avoid dropping food on my white jumper all night.
Good table manners?
Certainly better than mine.
Best thing about Sabah?
Staying grounded, despite her professional success. You can really tell that her job (while impressive – hello, book tours?) is only one part of the dynamic person that she is.
Would you introduce Sabah to your friends?
My friends would adore Sabah – she is a cupcake in a world of muffins.
Describe Sabah in three words.
Admirable, funny, humble.
What do you think Sabah made of you?
She told me she had never met a Muslim convert before – I think she was intrigued.
Did you go on somewhere?
Not, but we were the last ones to leave the restaurant.
And … did you kiss?
Before the wedding? Just a friendly hug at the station.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Not filling up on starters so we had more room for dessert.
Marks out of 10?
I feel Sabah would never rate anything higher than an 8, so I’ll say the same.
Would you meet again?
I think we both feel motivated to give the readers a good story …
David and Sabah ate at Richoux, London W1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
