‘He was so nervous he asked me to order his food’: Find out if it was a match on this week’s Blind Date

SHAKILA, 27 

Single for three months, no children.

Dating Past

Three months ago, I ended an 11-month relationship. I have dated a lot in my 20s; my longest lasted two years. Ultimately, we split because he was too fussy about food and never wanted to travel.

Pre-Date Nerves?

No, I’ve been to Budapest, Gdansk and Israel on my own – a blind date was going to be fine. 

My dad encouraged me to apply for this. Mum wants me to hurry up and meet someone; she is for ever telling me: ‘You’re getting on a bit.’

First Impressions?

Shazil is good-looking – he had a well-cut hairstyle, a strong jawline and big eyes. 

He was wearing a dark blazer with black trousers and a smart shirt, so I could tell he’d made an effort. 

I shook his hand. I normally go in for a hug, but it’s awkward on a blind date.

Easy To Talk To?

I’m a foodie and knew I was going to start with tempura squid, followed by pork schnitzel. Whereas Shazil ordered almonds for his first course and then some sort of salad as a main.

While we ate, we talked about our ambitions. Shazil is working as a teaching assistant while studying for a PhD in English Literature. I explained I would love to be a professional singer.

Shazil plays cricket whenever he isn’t working. It’s a pretty sport (those whites!) but it goes on for ever. I said I prefer to watch the highlights and he laughed.

Embarrassing Moments?

Shazil was a little nervous at the start of our date, even asking me to order for him. I encouraged him to do it for himself.

Did Sparks Fly?

I’m going to say no because we didn’t have much in common. There wasn’t a lot of humour and, for me, that’s something that usually leads to romance.

The 27-year-old PR assistant, who aspires to become a professional singer, found Shazil good-looking and was pleased he had made an effort for their date

See him again?

I don’t think so – we’re too different. We talked about travel to the Middle East, and while he’d like to visit Dubai, I’d rather go to Jordan. He likes the bling, I prefer the history. 

After our date, he walked me to the station and then asked for my number. I gave it to him but did stress that, while I’m happy to stay in touch, I’m not ready for a relationship. You have to be honest.

What do you think he thought of you?

Although he didn’t pay me a single compliment, he made it clear he wanted to see me again. I went out of my way to ensure we had a memorable experience.

Would your friends like him?

They’d think Shazil is a nice person (and he is), but would find him a bit too nerdy and serious.

SHAZIL, 28

Single for five years, no children.

Dating Past

I’ve been single for the past five years while studying because I haven’t wanted any distractions, but now I am ready to date.

My first love died; she lived across the road from me and we started seeing one another when we were 18. 

At 19 she got cancer and died a year later. I was very young and didn’t know how to handle my grief.

After that, I went to university and lost myself in my studies. I’ve had a few girlfriends since, but none serious.

Shazil (pictured) is looking for a sincere, romantic, pretty, kind-hearted, caring, travel lover. He avoids women who are arrogant

Pre-Date Nerves?

Yes, you’d have to be superhuman not to feel a bit nervous when meeting a potential love interest for the first time.

First Impressions?

Shakila is a good-looking woman who carries herself well. She had on a white coat with blue trousers and a smart top. She had a piercing in her nose, too, which I found a bit distracting. 

She was very friendly — we shook hands before sitting down to order.

Easy To Talk To?

Yes, I was impressed how educated Shakila is about cricket. We met on the day of an important match and, as I play (not professionally), I was following it.

I discovered Shakila has a vast knowledge about current affairs. We didn’t talk about previous relationships because they are in the past.

When we ordered, Shakila seemed to go for pleasure, while I went for a salad – in other words, foods to suit my sporting lifestyle.

Embarrassing Moments?

No, she didn’t drop anything and I didn’t either.

Did Sparks Fly?

To be frank, the chemistry wasn’t there. I didn’t find Shakila attractive, but as a person she is warm with an intellectual mind – a very smart and wise woman. 

But based purely on her looks? No, sorry, Shakila isn’t for me.

The 28-year-old PhD student, who also works as a teaching assistant, thought Shakila was good-looking and carried herself well 

See her again?

If I’d found Shakila more attractive then maybe. I mean, she gave me her number. 

Looks are important, though; it’s a conundrum isn’t it? Because we did get on so well.

What do you think she thought of you?

The way she looked at me from time to time was pretty flirtatious, so I would say she liked me.

Would your friends like her?

I haven’t mentioned her to my friends. I only do that when I meet someone fantastic. But Shakila has a good heart.

SHAKILA’S VERDICT: 7/10

LIKED? He was respectful.

REGRETS? Walking to the station together.

COFFEE OR CAB? Cab.  

SHAZIL’S VERDICT: 7.5/10

LIKED? Everything about the date.

REGRETS? I don’t do regrets.

COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.