Gaby, 51, is a jewellery designer
Pre-date jitters?
None at all because I had no expectations. My attitude to things like blind dates is best described as philosophical..
Your first impression?
Not my type and I thought he looked a bit messy not least because he arrived with a crumpled carrier bag. But I told myself to keep an open mind.
What were you hoping for from the evening?
Good conversation and a nice meal. And the food at Delicatessen was excellent: 11 out of ten. It was the sexiest of meals.
Did the conversation flow?
Not really. Jonathan struck me as a little socially inept. He didn’t pay me any compliments unlike the charming 26-year-old waiter who noticed my necklace, earrings and bracelet and asked for my phone number so he could commission me. Jonathan also told me he’d had a piece of chocolate cake en route to the restaurant which I found very odd. I mean, why?
Gaby. (Photo: Gary Manhine)[Missing Credit]
Did you discuss matters Jewish?
A bit. He said that he goes to shul every Saturday and davens on Friday night and I liked that he wore a kippah. But when I said I was becoming more religious, Jonathan changed the conversation towards himself, his exes and his parents.
Would Jonathan get on with your friends?
Not really. As established, his conversation skills really aren’t that great.
Did sparks fly?
Absolutely not.
Any no-nos?
His table manners could have been better. He used his hands too much.
Plans to see each other again?
Nope. He’s not just in the friend zone. Jonathan is in what we shall call the no zone.
Jonathan in three words?
I am afraid I need five words. Not my cup of anything.
What do you think Jonathan thought of you?
It doesn’t matter.
Jonathan, 60, is an exam invigilator
Pre-date jitters?
None. I was simply looking forward to meeting my date for the evening.
Your first impression?
I was a bit disappointed and she didn’t seem that friendly either.
What were you hoping for from the evening?
To meet a lady with whom I could have a permanent relationship.
Did the conversation flow?
It was rather limited and on one occasion she was actually rather abrupt. She also scrolled through her messages a few times during the meal instead of talking to me. Then she started speaking to one of the waiters about her work. I would have preferred it if she hadn’t discussed it with a random waiter while she was having dinner with me.
Did you discuss matters Jewish?
Gaby said she was a member of a community in Hendon. It is a very frum synagogue so I was surprised that she wore trousers instead of a skirt.
Would Gaby get on with your friends?
I don’t think so – she seemed slightly irritable.
Did you discover people in common?
One person.
Did sparks fly?
Unfortunately not, and I had been hoping they would.
Any no-nos?
I prefer ladies to wear skirts or dresses and not trousers. And I felt she should have given me her undivided attention.
Plans to see each other again?
At the end of the meal, she said she wanted me as a friend but she didn’t give me her contact details, so no, no plans.
Gaby in three words?
Friendly, pleasant and well-meaning.
What do you think Gaby thought of you?
That I am quiet, friendly and well-meaning.
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