In a delightful twist of fate, Ursula, a 29-year-old events coordinator, and Culann, a 34-year-old charity worker, embarked on a blind date that left both with smiles and plans for the future. Their evening, filled with laughter and shared stories, unfolded at Oui Madame in London N1, showcasing the magic of unexpected connections.
First Impressions and Initial Chatter
Ursula was immediately struck by Culann's warm and friendly demeanour, noting his excellent sweater vest and excellent name. She had hoped to meet someone fun, perhaps with a touch of romance, and Culann did not disappoint. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, covering a wide array of topics that revealed their personalities and interests.
Topics of Discussion
The pair delved into an eclectic mix of subjects, including:
- The entire Bridget Jones film series, from the first to the fourth instalment.
- The challenges and anecdotes of being a thirteen-year-old.
- Strategies for recounting the evening to curious colleagues.
- Book selections for Ursula's stepdad, showcasing thoughtful gestures.
- Musical tastes, with mentions of Pulp and Scissor Sisters.
- Personal family dynamics, discussing their actual sisters.
- Lighthearted debates, such as when a toastie qualifies as a pie.
- The origins of Garibaldi biscuits, tracing back to Bermondsey.
Ursula admitted to occasional awkward moments, like speaking with her mouth full, but emphasised that Culann was understanding and indulgent throughout.
Culann's Perspective on the Evening
Culann entered the date hoping for a fun return to the dating scene, something to share with friends, and ideally, a connection worth revisiting. He was impressed by Ursula's punctuality and found her very attractive from the start. Their dialogue touched on more personal grounds, such as the ages when their parents split up and experiences working with politicians.
Shared Experiences and Humour
They bonded over mutual interests in festivals and gigs, and even shared a laugh about not being proficient swimmers. The most awkward moment, according to Culann, was forgetting to take a selfie, leading them to enlist their waiter for a photo as they departed. He praised Ursula's table manners, noting they shared dishes and she handled beetroot more adeptly than he did.
Mutual Admiration and Future Plans
Ursula described Culann as an absolute delight, highlighting his great conversational skills and understanding nature. She expressed confidence in introducing him to her friends, albeit with a hint of jealousy over how well they might get along. Culann, in turn, found Ursula gorgeous, funny, and chatty, and would gladly introduce her to his social circle.
When asked about potential changes to the evening, Ursula humorously suggested meeting south of the river, while Culann had no complaints. Both rated the experience highly, with Ursula giving a perfect 10 and Culann a coy 9. Most importantly, they exchanged numbers and have already suggested future dates, indicating a promising start to their relationship.
Behind the Scenes of the Blind Date Column
This feature is part of the Guardian's long-running blind date column, which pairs two strangers for a dinner and drinks outing every Saturday. Since its inception in 2009, it has become a beloved segment in the Saturday magazine and online. Participants are selected based on their interests and preferences, though matches remain blind to ensure spontaneity.
How to Apply
If you're interested in featuring in a future blind date, you can apply by emailing blind.date@theguardian.com. The process involves sharing details like age, location, occupation, hobbies, and what you're looking for in a partner. While you cannot choose your match or photograph, the column aims to create enjoyable and memorable experiences, with many past participants forming lasting connections.
Ursula and Culann's story is a testament to the charm and potential of blind dates, reminding us that sometimes, the best encounters come from the most unexpected meetings.
