Every week, Femail asks two singletons to report back from their blind date.
This week, it was Layla and Taher’s turn to see if there was a spark between them.
Read on to find out what happened…
Layla, 18
Dating Past?
I was seeing a boy for two years. I’ve spoken to others online since, but nothing serious. My best friend’s mum put me forward for this because she knew (so far) no man’s been good enough for me.
Pre-Date Nerves?
A few, but I am quite a confident person. I’ve been on several first dates so I know how to navigate those first awkward moments.
First Impressions?
I was late – oops! But Taher didn’t say anything about it, luckily. He is a handsome boy and looks like a model. He instantly made me feel good by greeting me with a hug and complimenting my red dress.
Easy To Talk To?
Taher was a bit shy and awkward at first. Eventually he loosened up. He’s been working over the summer and seems motivated, which impressed me. Taher told me his ex-girlfriend could be quite rude and make unkind comments about people. I summarised, ‘So she was a bit of a b*tch then?’ and he seemed shocked, saying he’d never use that word to describe someone. Thankfully, we got back on safer ground – our mutual love of cats.
Embarrassing Moments?
I got on brilliantly with Taher, but there was such a handsome boy on the next table. We kept catching one another’s eye. I wish he’d asked for my number, but what could I do? I was technically on a date so I couldn’t leave Taher.
Layla was put forward for blind date by her best friend’s mum
Did Sparks Fly?
No, I wouldn’t say so. Taher is too tame for me. He’s probably the guy I should marry two decades down the line.
See him again?
If he texted suggesting we meet up, I’d be open to it. We’re both from Muslim families, except I drink and he doesn’t, which could be awkward long-term. Maybe he’d relax on a second date.
What do you think he thought of you?
I thought we got along well, although maybe he was a bit overwhelmed by me. I talk a lot and get very excited. Taher’s conversational skills are more reserved.
Would your family and friends like him?
Yes, because he’s Muslim, gets on well with his mum, and really thinks before he starts talking. Most importantly, he’s got good manners.
Taher, 18
Dating Past?
It only recently occurred to me that I’ve never had a proper relationship. I’ve been out with girls but I’m a homebird. My parents didn’t get married until they were 30 so there’s no rush.
Pre-Date Nerves?
Yes, I always get nervous when I talk to pretty girls – I had an inkling my date would be attractive.
First Impressions?
Layla was 20 minutes late as she got stuck in traffic, but I didn’t mind. I was impressed by how pretty she was when she arrived. I told her so, but can’t remember exactly what I said.
Easy To Talk To?
Yes, Layla is at Bristol University studying Interior Design. I’m taking a gap year before study coding at Queen Mary’s. Layla is a breath of fresh air. She is always going out while working full-time. She manages a bar, which doesn’t surprise me – she’s got a very can-do attitude. We’re both into sports – I play basketball (I’m 6ft 1in) and tennis. Layla played football but recently stopped.
It recently occured to Taher that he has never had a ‘proper relationship’
Embarrassing Moments?
No, except we both talked a bit too much about our cats. I’ve got three kittens; two sleep in my bedroom. I’m waiting to pick up the youngest as it’s too tiny to leave its mum. The others were on a cat play date while I was out. Layla seemed more interested in pictures of them than discussing us.
Did Sparks Fly?
We flirted a bit, there was good eye-contact and we laughed a lot – but I think I’m too quiet for Layla. Her phone didn’t have any battery, and she was disappointed I didn’t have a charger as it meant we didn’t exchange numbers.
See her again?
Yes, Layla is the whole package. She is smart, confident, attractive – and her brother studies digital technology which I am interested in too. I’d get along with him.
What do you think she thought of you?
Thinking about it, she didn’t say anything nice about me so I don’t know! I got the impression she liked me. We talked about coding and cats, so what’s not to love?
Would your family and friends like her?
Yes, Layla is lively and pretty. She’s got an infectious personality.
Layla’s verdict: 7/10
Liked? Taher was lovely.
Regrets? Not getting the other guy’s number.
Coffee or cab? Coffee as pals.
Taher’s verdict: 8/10
Liked? Communication.
Regrets? No, I have none at all.
Coffee or cab? Coffee.
