Ella on John
What were you hoping for?
Something interesting to do on a Saturday afternoon.
First impressions?
We’d been seated separately, so it was confusing finding each other. He seemed excited to be there, but I think we were both a bit nervous.
What did you talk about?
We’d both recently seen Challengers so we discussed Zendaya’s career and its trajectory from KC Undercover.
Most awkward moment?
At the end of the date he asked me to send him the selfie we had to take. I suggested AirDrop but he asked for my phone number instead. Or when he gave the manager feedback on the food I ate – on my behalf.
Good table manners?
Perfectly good, although he did over-order substantially.
Best thing about John?
He held a conversation well, always fully expanded on a story, and asked me follow-up questions.
Would you introduce John to your friends?
Maybe. We’re at different stages of our lives, so I don’t think he’d be compatible.
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
Describe John in three words.
Friendly. Introverted but eager.
What do you think John made of you?
We didn’t have a great deal in common. He suggested I get in contact if I was in London, but maybe he was being polite.
Did you go on somewhere?
No, I was meeting a friend afterwards.
And … did you kiss?
No. There was a distanced hug when we parted ways.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I’d change my order as the chips were not the most graceful thing to eat.
Marks out of 10?
For a date, 6. Otherwise, 7.
Would you meet again?
It would be pretty unlikely.
John on Ella
What were you hoping for?
A meaningful connection or to make a new friend. And nice food as a bonus.
First impressions?
A lovely smile – I could tell we were going to have interesting conversations.
What did you talk about?
Whether dark chocolate belongs in chilli con carne. Cultural differences between London, Cambridge and Manchester. Ella graciously taught me the Brownie promise.
Most awkward moment?
I was seated at a different table until the waiter brought us together. We were also taken aback by the edible beef fat candle served with our bread.
Good table manners?
Impeccable. She tackled her burger and chips with finesse.
Best thing about Ella?
Her subtle wit and love for learning.
Would you introduce Ella to your friends?
I would be glad to.
Describe Ella in three words.
Elegant, intelligent, calm.
What do you think Ella made of you?
Perhaps a bit of a curious eccentric – but honestly, I am not sure.
Did you go on somewhere?
No, Ella had already arranged to meet a friend elsewhere.
And … did you kiss?
We hugged before parting ways.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
To meet in the evening – the ambience is different.
Marks out of 10?
Marking a human being out of 10 feels so reductive, sorry! But if I have to, 7.
Would you meet again?
If we were in the same neighbourhood, it would be nice to meet again. Who knows?
Ella and John ate at Macellaio RC, London W1. Fancy a blind date? Email: blind.date@theguardian.com
