by Zula in Leyla
What were you waiting for?
I’ve had some bad experiences with dating apps, so just for fun.
First impressions?
I arrived early, so I walked up and down the street to not look too interested. When I walked in, Leyla was already drinking a glass of wine, and we were both laughing at being so early. I should have gone straight in.
What did you talk about?
Ranking of our best kitchens. Our works. The meanings of our various tattoos.
Weirdest moment?
Leyla asked if I had Googled it before the date. I said yes, but I hadn’t found much – she told me I was lying.
What questions will I be asked?
We\n ask about age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests and the type of\n person you are looking to meet. If you do not think these questions \ncover everything you would like to know, tell us what’s on your mind.
Can I choose who I match with?
No,\n it’s a blind date! But we do ask you a bit about your interests, \npreferences, etc – the more you tell us, the better the match is likely \nto 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\n but respectfully. Be mindful of how it will read to your date, and that\n 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
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questions and answers
Fancy a blind date?
Show
Blind date is Saturday’s dating column: every week, two strangers get together for dinner and drinks, and then tell us everything by answering a series of questions. This is published, with a pre-date photograph we take of each boyfriend, 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 you ask me?
We ask about age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests and the type of person you want to meet. If you feel these questions don’t cover everything you’d like to know, let us know what you have in mind.
Can I choose who I match with?
No, it’s a blind date! But we do ask a little about your interests, preferences, etc – the more you tell us, the better the match.
Can I choose the photo?
No, but don’t worry: we’ll pick the prettiest ones.
What personal details will appear?
Your first name, job and age.
How should I respond?
Honestly, but with respect. Be aware of how it will be read to your date, and this blind date reaches a wide audience, in print and online.
Will I see the other person’s responses?
No. We may edit yours and theirs for a variety of reasons, including duration, and we may ask for more details.
Will you find me The One?
We will try! Married! Babies!
Can I do it in my city?
Only if you’re in the UK. Many of our candidates live in London, but we’d love to hear from people who live elsewhere.
How to apply
Email blind.date@theguardian.com
Good table manners?
Totally fine.
The best thing about Leyla?
Easy to talk to and a good listener.
Would you introduce Leyla to your friends?
Sure – she’s cool and laid back – but not in a romantic sense.
Describe Leyla in three words.
Confident, funny and cool.
What do you think Leyla made of you?
Probably that I was younger than I am, as most people assume. Also that I was very hungry.
Did you go somewhere?
No, Leyla ended up leaving after we finished our mains. I confess I stayed behind and ordered an amazing slice of pistachio tiramisu.
And… did you kiss?
No.
If you could change one thing about the night, what would it be?
The restaurant was very noisy and I didn’t hear everything Leyla said so maybe I went along with some of her stories rather than actively responding, but other than that it was an enjoyable evening.
10 notes?
7.
Would you meet again?
Not intentionally in a romantic way, but we might meet when she moves into my neighborhood.
Leila in Zula
What were you waiting for?
Absolute hilarity or, failing that, a meal with someone amusing.
First impressions?
Warm with good energy.
What did you talk about?
Our professions. Traveling. Bad date stories. Our respective experiences in the art world.
Weirdest moment?
It was a pretty busy night at the restaurant and I’m kind of deaf. There are so many times you can ask someone to repeat it across the table.
Good table manners?
Splendid.
The best of Zula?
Your creativity.
Would you introduce Zula to your friends?
She’s super open so I’m sure she would get along with anyone but just as a friend.
Describe Zula in three words.
Secure, chatty, creative.
What do you think Zula made of you?
Probably a little chaotic.
Did you go somewhere?
No I suggested we go for a drink but wisely we didn’t as we both had work the next day.
And… did you kiss?
No.
If you could change one thing about the night, what would it be?
It was nice to meet Zula, but there was no connection.
marks off 10?
6.
Would you meet again?
I would definitely say hi if we bumped into each other.
Zula and Leyla ate at Firebird, London W1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
