Blind date reveals small world connections
Two strangers on a Guardian blind date discovered surprising personal connections during a lunch in Edinburgh, with both participants rating the experience
Don and Claire, two strangers, met for a lunchtime blind date in Edinburgh arranged by The Guardian. Both participants gave the date a score of 8 out of 10.
Don, hoping to meet someone interesting and be part of a cultural phenomenon, found Claire relaxed and friendly. Claire, seeking good company and conversation, was greeted by Don's warm and friendly face. Their conversation ranged across family, work, and lighter topics like alcohol, Catholicism, and Buddhism.
A surprising connection
The most notable moment came when Claire suddenly realised she knew one of Don's daughters. She also noted that her sister had been a good friend of Don's mother a long time ago. Don remarked on the coincidence, stating that Scotland is a small but beautiful nation. This shared history provided an unexpected layer of connection, though it was not described as awkward by either party.
Conversation and compatibility
Both found the other easy to talk with. Don described Claire as thoughtful, empathetic, and compassionate, praising her freckly arms and calling her a good human being. Claire described Don as a bon vivant who was warm and interesting, appreciating that he asked interested questions. Their discussion also covered his work in film and documentaries, her work as a counsellor, meditation, movies, their children, their marriages, and their shared political views.
The date's conclusion
The date ended with what both described in European terms. Don called it a kiss "in a European kind of way," while Claire termed it "a continental farewell." They parted at the bus stop. When asked if they would meet again, Don was hopeful, suggesting they might see a film or share a meal, though he doubted they would "run away to Gretna Green." Claire, however, stated she needed a romantic spark that wasn't present for her, though they exchanged numbers for future conversation.
Each had a minor regret about the date's logistics. Don wished he hadn't driven so he could have enjoyed a glass of cold white Rioja. Claire said she would have preferred an evening meet-up rather than a lunchtime one due to work commitments. The restaurant owner provided a brief moment of confusion, mistakenly thinking they were there for a different Guardian feature called 'Dining across the divide' before apologising.
