Love at first sight? Not quite, but a contact lens mishap certainly made this blind date memorable!
Karyshma and Arun, two strangers brought together by The Guardian’s iconic Blind Date column, recently shared their experience over dinner and drinks at Parrillan in London. Both were hoping for a break from the monotony of dating apps, seeking a memorable evening with someone new. Karyshma, a self-proclaimed romantic, embraced the idea of letting fate (or the Guardian) take the wheel, while Arun simply wanted someone interesting and easy to talk to. But here’s where it gets interesting: despite a warm first impression and engaging conversation, the date took an unexpected turn when Karyshma’s contact lens decided to make an escape, cutting the evening short. And this is the part most people miss—sometimes it’s the little mishaps that make a date truly unforgettable.
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, covering everything from Instagram and books to travel and family. They even bonded over Reggae Reggae crisps, discovering a surprising amount in common. Arun’s impeccable table manners and thoughtful conversation style left a lasting impression on Karyshma, who described him as ‘open, family-oriented, and relatable.’ Meanwhile, Arun was charmed by Karyshma’s engaging personality and lovely laugh, calling her ‘confident, engaging, and intelligent.’ But here’s the controversial part: while both enjoyed the evening, neither felt an instant romantic spark. Does a lack of immediate chemistry mean it’s a dead end, or could it be the start of something more gradual?
The awkward moments were minor—Arun’s vague book synopses (he hates spoilers!) and the shared reluctance to finish the last bites of tapas. The venue’s loud atmosphere also posed a challenge, with Karyshma having to ask Arun to repeat himself a few times. Despite these hiccups, both rated the date highly, with Karyshma giving it an 8 and Arun refusing to give marks, opting instead for a perfect 10 in compliments. They’ve exchanged numbers and are open to seeing how things develop, though neither is rushing to label it as romantic just yet.
Blind Date: A Recipe for Love or Just a Fun Evening?
Running since 2009, The Guardian’s Blind Date column pairs two strangers for a night out, followed by candid Q&A sessions. Participants are asked about their age, location, occupation, hobbies, and what they’re looking for in a partner. While you can’t choose your match (it’s a blind date, after all!), the more you share about your interests, the better the pairing is likely to be. Your first name, job, and age are published, but don’t worry—the editors handle the rest, including selecting the nicest photos. But here’s the question: In an age of swipe-right dating, is a blind date a refreshing change or a relic of the past?
If you’re curious to try it yourself, applications are open to anyone in the UK, though Londoners dominate the scene. Simply email blind.date@theguardian.com and let fate (or the Guardian) take over. Who knows? You might just find love—or at least a great story to tell.
What do you think? Is a lack of instant chemistry a dealbreaker, or is there value in letting connections grow over time? Share your thoughts in the comments!
