Rita on Tom
What were you hoping for?
To have a refreshing new experience. I was curious to see who the Guardian would match me with.
First impressions?
Very smiley and friendly.
What did you talk about?
Food! My love of exploring the UK and his of Alan Partridge. We compared stories of how our parents met.
Most awkward moment?
When he got stuck at the barriers at the tube when we said goodbye. We had to hug over the barriers.
Good table manners?
Yes, definitely.
Best thing about Tom?
He’s funny.
Would you introduce Tom to your friends?
Yes.
Describe Tom in three words
Funny, smiley and warm.
What do you think Tom made of you?
Hopefully he thought I was nice and genuine.
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
Did you go on somewhere?
Yes we went to the pub.
And … did you kiss?
No.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I would probably do a whole dessert rather than share – it was so tasty.
Marks out of 10?
7.
Would you meet again?
He’s a cat lover and I’m allergic. So I think it’s best I bow out now – I would hate to make him have to choose.
Tom on Rita
What were you hoping for?
Great food and better company.
First impressions?
Rita was really open and friendly. Any concerns that the date was going to be awkward quickly alleviated.
What did you talk about?
Taking risks, work, family, our favourite restaurants, dating app hell.
Most awkward moment?
The restaurant had us booked for the night before, so had to find us a table. Also, when I told Rita I’m a cat dad she revealed she’s allergic to them. And the issue with my card on the tube.
Good table manners?
Excellent. She refused to tuck into the food until I came back from the toilet.
Best thing about Rita?
She’s kind, easy to talk to and friendly.
Would you introduce Rita to your friends?
Yes, she’d get on with everyone.
Describe Rita in three words
Joyful, daring and extroverted.
What do you think Rita made of you?
That I have an interesting job, and I’m open, friendly and easy to talk to, too.
Did you go on somewhere?
We went for one drink at a nearby pub.
And … did you kiss?
We did not.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
It would have been great if the date was with someone I had more in common with who wasn’t allergic to cats!
Marks out of 10
7.
Would you meet again?
Sadly not. Having dinner with Rita was lovely, but I didn’t feel any romance.
Tom and Rita ate at The Palomar, London W1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
