Anwit on Kassondra
What were you hoping for?
Someone I would not otherwise meet.
First impressions?
Easygoing.
What did you talk about?
The impossibility of making a decent living in the UK – or finding a good hiking route nearby as south-east England is so flat. Both wishing we spoke more languages than we do. Dating app traumas. Not living up to the expectations of religious parents (hers) and grandparents (mine).
Most awkward moment?
I was sitting on the inside of this huge table when she arrived and had to almost crawl out to greet her. And on leaving I knocked her doggy bag out of her hand.
Good table manners?
Hers were perfect. I spilled my drink just as she asked if she could try it.
Best thing about Kassondra?
Very easy to talk to and charismatic.
Q&A
Fancy a blind date?
Show
Blind date is Saturday’s dating column: every week, two
strangers are paired up for dinner and drinks, and then spill the beans
to us, answering a set of questions. This runs, with a photograph we
take of each dater before the date, in Saturday magazine (in the
UK) and online at theguardian.com every Saturday. It’s been running since 2009 – you can read all about how we put it together here.
What questions will I be asked?
We
ask about age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests and the type of
person you are looking to meet. If you do not think these questions
cover everything you would like to know, tell us what’s on your mind.
Can I choose who I match with?
No,
it’s a blind date! But we do ask you a bit about your interests,
preferences, etc – the more you tell us, the better the match is likely
to be.
Can I pick the photograph?
No, but don’t worry: we’ll choose the nicest ones.
What personal details will appear?
Your first name, job and age.
How should I answer?
Honestly
but respectfully. Be mindful of how it will read to your date, and that
Blind date reaches a large audience, in print and online.
Will I see the other person’s answers?
No. We may edit yours and theirs for a range of reasons, including length, and we may ask you for more details.
Will you find me The One?
We’ll try! Marriage! Babies!
Can I do it in my home town?
Only if it’s in the UK. Many of our applicants live in London, but we would love to hear from people living elsewhere.
How to apply
Email blind.date@theguardian.com
Would you introduce Kassondra to your friends?
Sure, they’d like her and vice versa.
Describe Kassondra in three words.
Relaxed, empathetic, attractive.
What do you think she made of you?
Nerd, cyclist, hopefully adventurous.
Did you go on somewhere?
No, the last train to Cambridge was at 11.
And … did you kiss?
No, just a couple of hugs.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
To meet on a Friday or Saturday rather than Sunday. And although the staff were lovely, they did make us sit at one end of a huge table with a random dude occupying the other end.
Marks out of 10?
8+. I feel I didn’t get to know her as well as I would have liked as the setting made it slightly difficult, and I needed to rush off for the train.
Would you meet again?
Sure, for a walk or a hike.
Kassondra on Anwit
What were you hoping for?
Chemistry and good banter.
First impressions?
Warm and kind.
What did you talk about?
Travel. Moving country. Languages. Our families … It felt we were getting somewhere once we started discussing the taboos you aren’t meant to on a first date, like politics and past relationships.
Most awkward moment?
We were confused which direction to go on leaving the restaurant, so hugged goodbye twice, on different street corners. And he accidentally knocked my doggy bag to the ground.
Good table manners?
Excellent!
Best thing about Anwit?
Kind. Smart. Conversation was easy.
Would you introduce Anwit to your friends?
Yes. He seems outdoorsy and active, and I think they’d get along well.
Describe Anwit in three words.
Friendly, curious, adventurous.
What do you think he made of you?
He let it slip he has a thing for writers, but he was suspicious of my aggressive scepticism of men who identify as cyclists – especially as I also cycle!
Did you go on somewhere?
No.
And … did you kiss?
No.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
I have a deck of juicy question cards. And I left it at home.
Marks out of 10?
Anyone who’s willing to put themselves out there like this deserves a 10.
Would you meet again?
Yes. I’m not sure we felt romantic fireworks but we have a lot in common.
Kassondra and Anwit ate at The Butcher’s Tap and Grill, London SW3. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
