Robin on Jacquie
What were you hoping for?
To meet someone with a nice personality and similar interests.
First impressions?
An attractive, slim, smart lady.
What did you talk about?
Our lives, family, how we find being retired, but mostly about our love of travel and all the places we have been.
Most awkward moment?
Not one; the conversation flowed and we got on very well.
Good table manners?
Impeccable.
Best thing about Jacquie?
Her warm, open personality.
Would you introduce Jacquie to your friends
Absolutely, she is a very sociable person.
Describe Jacquie in three words
Charming, open, empathetic.
Q&AFancy 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
What do you think Jacquie made of you?
I hope she found me affable and a good dining companion.
Did you go on somewhere?
No, unfortunately I had to catch a train.
And … did you kiss?
No, a polite hug.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Perhaps our height difference.
Marks out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
Had we lived nearer to each other then yes, but sadly no.
Jacquie on Robin
What were you hoping for?
To meet a future partner, or at least a future friend.
First impressions?
What a smart, smiley man; very welcoming.
What did you talk about?
Travel, enjoying retirement, food, playing musical instruments.
Most awkward moment?
When Robin, who is well over 6ft, looked at me, 5ft, and said he was looking for someone around 5ft 6in.
Good table manners?
No problem with table manners.
Best thing about Robin?
The conversation never dried up – we had plenty to talk about.
Would you introduce Robin to your friends?
He’s a lovely man, but my boaty, musical friends wouldn’t have anything in common with Robin.
Describe Robin in three words
Charming, friendly, smiley.
What do you think Robin made of you?
He said I was lovely, so hopefully he enjoyed my company.
Did you go on somewhere?
He was eager to get back to Cambridge.
And … did you kiss?
No kiss; an awkward hug due to the large difference in height!
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
The distance between our homes. No chance for spontaneity.
Marks out of 10?
A strong 8.
Would you meet again?
We live about four hours apart, so we aren’t planning to meet again.
Jacquie and Robin ate at Quo Vadis, London W1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
