Matchmaker, Matchmaker...

Russell Weil's parents, Maxine and Cecil Weil, who met on a blind date in 1956, enjoying their honeymoon in March 1957.

As I recently revealed in my February story “Blind Date,” I once answered an ad in a Dallas-area publication, and she turned out to be a stripper. I mean, how rare is it that any of us would have the opportunity to go out with a stripper, yet alone one who was Jewish. The religion part certainly made my mom happy!

When we met over lunch, and got to talking, we found out that we actually had friends in common. In fact, one of her cousins married a very good friend of mine - a neighbor from my childhood. Now there were two things we had in common – our faith and mutual friends. 

I often find this story one of the funnier parts from my 54 years. I had the chance to tell it to a new audience a few years ago while attending my 30-year Bellaire High School reunion. As it turns out, one of the people returning to Houston for the festivities was none other than my childhood friend – the one who was married to my stripper date’s cousin.

As we were catching up with other friends, I asked him “Does Laurie have a cousin who is currently is, or was at one time, was a stripper?” The look on his face was priceless, as he hesitated and asked “Yes, why?” I responded that I had a funny story to tell him, and the group roared with laughter. I was pleased to receive an update that she is now happily married with a family, and that was just a darker period in her past.

As the years have passed, I have found that the best thing about this blind date is the story I get to repeat. I’d wager that I’m the only one of my family or friends who has ever been fixed up on a blind date with a single Jewish stripper. 
What is the funniest or most memorable blind date you have ever been on? Share your story here in the comment section…