Blind Date: ‘I’m the worst person to go on a blind date with…’
Charlie, a second year NatSci, meets Zameer, a third year NatSci
Charlie on Zameer:
What were your pre-date expectations?

I’m a bit of an over-thinker, so I tried not to have too many expectations. And I didn’t want my expectations to be too high. Realistically, I knew the worst that could happen was that it would be a bit awkward!
So, you met at the Pickerel. What were the vibes like there?
It was so busy so we sat outside and had one drink, then made our way to Caius bar. The vibes were better there.
Did it meet your expectations?
I guess… It wasn’t a bad experience! I’m glad I did it, it was probably on par with what I expected. It’s unrealistic to expect a lot.
What were your first impressions of Zameer?
He seemed really friendly and nice.
What did you guys talk about? Did the conversation flow smoothly?
The conversation flowed, and I personally didn’t find it awkward – there weren’t many awkward silences. I can be quite quiet, so sometimes it felt like he was doing more talking.
Did you have much in common?
We’re both NatScis, so we spoke a lot about the degree. We’re both into theatre as well, so it was nice to speak about that.
Describe Zameer in three words.
Friendly, genuine and sweet.
What do you think Zameer thought of you?
I think we definitely got on and I think he probably felt the same as me: there wasn’t much chemistry but we could definitely be friends.
Would you see Zameer again?
Not in a romantic way, but happily as friends. I don’t think it would be awkward if I saw him on the street.
What would you rate the date out of ten?
A six.
If you could change anything about the evening what would it be?
It’s really stupid… but if we could’ve sat inside [at the Pickerel] – it was just so cold!
Are there any funny stories from the date?
He’s on the Caius May Ball committee and I tried to get him to tell me the theme, but he wouldn’t budge!
Zameer on Charlie:
What were your pre-date expectations?
It was weird because I signed up alongside my friends – there was nothing to lose, if it went bad it would just be a fun anecdote to have among friends. I also wanted to know what dating in Cambridge was like, in the most strange way possible!
Did the date meet your expectations?
When I was walking back from the date I really thought that Charlie and I were matched up well, because we had a fun time speaking, and had enough in common, but also had gaps to spark conversations.
What were your first impressions of Charlie?
He seemed really lovely, and he gave off a bubbly and friendly vibe.
What did you talk about? Was there much in common?
We spoke about theatre because I’ve worked in production and Charlie has acted so we had that in common. I’m on my college’s May Ball committee so that came up too. And we are both NatScis so there was common ground there! Charlie did ask about the May Ball theme, but I’d never tell!
Did the date flow smoothly? Were there any awkward moments?
I think at the start it was kind of awkward because you’re trying to gauge what you can talk about and what you have in common. It feels a bit like Freshers’ Week in first year, a long time ago for me – “What’s your name? Which college? What subject?” – but as the night progressed it was less awkward and we found things to talk about. And if there were dips in the conversation, one of us thought of a new topic.
How would you describe Charlie in three words?
Kind, genuine, brave.
What do you think Charlie thought of you?
Hopefully not terrible things! I had a nice time chatting with him so hopefully he enjoyed it at least.
Do you think you’ll see each other again?
I’m not sure – we exchanged Instagrams after the date but we haven’t texted since, but then again I’ve been a bit busy with degree stuff so maybe when things are settled.
Would this be platonic or romantic?
I’m the worst person to go on a blind date because I have to become friends with the person I’m going to see first, and then from friends maybe it would progress. So I can’t say!
What would you rate the date out of ten?
Eight.
If you could change anything about the evening what would it be?
Maybe not sitting outside at the Pick! Otherwise I had a good time.
Are there any funny stories or anecdotes from the date?
Not really, it was just an all round good experience.
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