Ask for Angela

[Ari]

The big new thing at the mo seems to be ‘Ask For Angela’.

Basically, if you’re on a first date in a bar and it’s going wrong, you go to the staff and ask for Angela and it’s a code word, they’ll deal with the situation and get you out, apparently.

It’s sort of a good idea I guess, I’m just not sure why you wouldn’t just ask for help normally. If your date is within earshot he’s likely to know what it means (given it’s a public campaign) and therefore what you’re doing, and if not it doesn’t matter.

Also, what’s wrong with the usual process of the 1/2 hour fake phone call? You get a mate to call half hour into the date with a ‘reason you have to leave’ in case you need it.

Also, if you are actually looking for Angela you’re going to be in an Uber before you know what’s happening!

[PositronicRay]

Ari said:

Also, what’s wrong with the usual process of the 1/2 hour fake phone call? You get a mate to call half hour into the date with a ‘reason you have to leave’ in case you need it.

I think the Angela thing is a bit more serious than you're stuck with an unfancieable date,

[SS2.]

Been around for a while, hasn't it ?

[LeadFarmer]

What if you need to speak to one of the bar staff who is called Angela?

[mcflurry]

There may be flaws with the idea, but in the absence of a better one, why not get the person to safety?

[MG-FIDO]

Old Merkel's got her work cut out trying to keep Germany ticking over, why you'd expect her to be interested in your love life's beyond me!

[Leptons]

fks sake, what the fk is wrong with saying “sorry this is not happening for me, nice to meet you goodbye” or just a good old fashioned climbing out of the fking toilet window.

Why do we have to create a situation out of everything these days?

[vikingaero]

Leptons said:

fks sake, what the fk is wrong with saying “sorry this is not happening for me, nice to meet you goodbye” or just a good old fashioned climbing out of the fking toilet window.

Why do we have to create a situation out of everything these days?

I don't think the campaign is aimed at your normal bloke that you just don't have chemistry with. It's for those that are fine at first in person or on dating apps and turn into out to be psychopaths sexual deviants during the date.

[Ari]

I do rather wonder how often this is a serious issue - meeting someone for the first time in a public place. Does it really result in the sort of issues that require third party assistance? Ever? Surely 99.99% of the time it's just a case of making your excuses, and if someone did meet up with a complete nutter, I wouldn't have thought there was much need to be subtle.

Also wonder how often pissed up young girls will 'cry wolf' and run to the staff 'asking for Angela' whenever they've created a drama for themselves or feel in need of some attention.

I'm also not entirely sure why pub staff are being dragged in to this anyway. I guess they have a duty of care over their patrons, but should that extend to sorting out unwise dates that have gone wrong?

[Cold]

Can blokes Ask for Angela too?

[Ari]

I don't see why not.

[anonymous-user]

Ari said:

It’s sort of a good idea I guess, I’m just not sure why you wouldn’t just ask for help normally. If your date is within earshot he’s likely to know what it means (given it’s a public campaign) and therefore what you’re doing, and if not it doesn’t matter.

Indeed.
What are the chances you ask to speak to Angela, and the temp bar staff who are only there to fund college and get free beer look at you in bewliderment and deny all knowledge of Angela.
Better just to say "My date tonight has turned out to be a total pyscho. Can you call me a cab and then keep them here until I've left? Thanks"

[Alucidnation]

The 'snowflake' generation i reckon.

[red_slr]

Alucidnation said:

The 'snowflake' generation i reckon.

Yep its how life works for them. Log onto POF, swipe a few times, meet some bint and buy her 1 small drink then back to hers (or the pub toilet which ever is closer) for a quick 7 minute back scuttle and then call an uber. Rinse and repeat 7 days a week.

[FredClogs]

red_slr said:

Alucidnation said:

The 'snowflake' generation i reckon.

Yep its how life works for them. Log onto POF, swipe a few times, meet some bint and buy her 1 small drink then back to hers (or the pub toilet which ever is closer) for a quick 7 minute back scuttle and then call an uber. Rinse and repeat 7 days a week.

I can't tell from your tone whether this is a criticism or admiration.

I've never heard if this Angela thing, is she related to Mickey Finn?

[Ari]

Crossflow Kid said:

Better just to say "My date tonight has turned out to be a total pyscho. Can you call me a cab and then keep them here until I've left? Thanks"

That's certainly my view - it just doesn't seem that complicated.

[Ari]

Alucidnation said:

The 'snowflake' generation i reckon.

It does feel like yet another 'I need someone else to take charge if things aren't going the way I want and protect me from everything' thing. Bit like university 'safe spaces' and the like.

But then I'm an angry old man that shakes my fist at clouds apparently, so what do I know?

[Dr Doofenshmirtz]

Is Angela short for 'call the police' or something?

[Ari]

No, it's supposed to alert bar staff and they're supposed to help you discreetly escape out the back or something.

More info here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-37855009

[bitchstewie]

I don't think this is aimed at "We've got nothing in common", it's aimed at when your smiling guy or girl in the profile turns out not to be exactly who you thought they were or the smiling guy or girl who buys you a drink turns out to be unwilling to take the hint.

Ari, you're a bloke, doubtless powerfully built and exuding confidence and masculinity so you may be in a better position to deal with things than some other people, predominantly women, will be.

This may help someone avoid something unpleasant, it's as simple as that.