Paul on Amanda
What were you hoping for?
An adventure, engaging company, good food.
First impressions?
Tall and smiley.
What did you talk about?
What didn’t we talk about? Food, wine, music, film, travel, politics, likes and dislikes, the outdoors and, of course, Alan Partridge!
Most awkward moment?
I arrived at the restaurant before it had opened.
Good table manners?
Well, I don’t think there was much mopping up to do after us.
Best thing about Amanda?
Flowing conversation, worldly wise, open-minded.
Would you introduce Amanda to your friends?
Yes.
Describe Amanda in three words
Engaging, educated, Oasis-mad.
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 Amanda made of you?
I’m useless at gauging other people’s thoughts, but I’m hoping for something positive.
Did you go on somewhere?
Yes, a drink at a proper old pub.
And … did you kiss?
A friendly peck on the cheek.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Nothing.
Marks out of 10?
10.
Would you meet again?
Yes, we certainly connected and swapped numbers.
Amanda on Paul
What were you hoping for?
Someone who could hold a stimulating conversation while also making my stomach flutter. The elusive spark, that delicious, nervous energy you only get when you’re attracted to someone – all washed down with great wine and food.
First impressions?
Fit, northern and exactly my type.
What did you talk about?
Travel, music, family, our shared love of Alan Partridge, the state of the nation.
Most awkward moment?
Waiters wanting an on-the-spot review of what we thought of each other.
Good table manners?
Absolutely. Can’t say the same for me though, as I was straight into the bread basket once it touched the table.
Best thing about Paul?
He is physically fit, active and keen to get out and see the world.
Would you introduce Paul to your friends?
Yes, he would fit right in.
Describe Paul in three words
Adventurous, genuine, open.
What do you think Paul made of you?
“Does she ever stop talking?” or “She is really enjoying the wine.” My nerves are the common link between the two.
Did you go on somewhere?
Yes, we popped to a nearby pub for one.
And … did you kiss?
Suffice to say we parted on good terms.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I’m not sure there was anything.
Marks out of 10?
8.5.
Would you meet again?
Yes.
Paul and Amanda ate at Caravelli in Loughborough. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
