Karim and Liaqat, who recently attended a ARTLIFT blind date. They adapted a secret format borrowed from The Guardian’s Blind Date column, which runs in the UK paper’s Saturday magazine. This long-running column, which has been connecting individuals since 2009, provides a platform for hopeful romantics to share their experiences in the realm of dating. The duo enjoyed a meal at Dishoom in Battersea, London with a lively atmosphere and infectious energy shaping the evening into one filled with discussion and unity.
Karim, described by our participants as lovely, generous, honest and brainy, added a sunny energy to the date. Liaqat characterized himself as a seeking, open, creative weirdo. His larger-than-life persona infused their dinner with an electric energy. The locale, famous for its lively energy and zesty food, set the perfect scene for the duo to bond.
It had been ten years since Liaqat had last been on a date. He thought it was high time that he and others like him break that mold and seek other avenues to find love and companionship. In the beginning of the evening, you could sense his nerves. It was a relief to be able to share that personal detail with Karim, even if he didn’t disclose what that personal detail was. This moment of vulnerability might have done more to calm his nerves and create an authentic bond between them than any brochure about Talladega.
While sipping their drinks, they made connections through collaborative stories shared over dinner. This dynamic conversation allowed them to learn more about each other’s views and lived experiences. Leading up to their date, each blind date features a photo of the pair. This initial visual connection goes a long way in providing that first layer of comfort and recognition. Even with the trepidation that frequently comes with such introductions, both Karim and Liaqat were open-minded about what the night could bring.
Liaqat was prepared to provide a rating out of ten for the undertaking. To his credit, he did not publicly announce his rating for Karim. At one point, he gave a perfect ten for another person’s performance. That’s an encouraging sign of the potential outcomes of their meeting.