Blind date: ‘It’s going to be awkward if he slags me off!’

The Guardian
·4 min read
<span>Photograph: Linda Nylind/The Guardian</span>
Photograph: Linda Nylind/The Guardian

Kat on Jack

Kat
Kat

What were you hoping for?
Good food, good company and, if nothing else, a funny story to tell.

First impressions?
Confident and relaxed.

What did you talk about?
Alanis Morissette. Skydives and bungee jumps. Cycling and running. Our dream meals if we were on the Off Menu podcast. Weird games we play with our friends (Où est le Poulet for me and a sort of real-life Cluedo game for him).

Any awkward moments?
We agreed to not slag each other off in the article. It’s going to be awkward if he goes against his word.

Good table manners?
All good. And hopefully I managed to look like a natural using chopsticks.

Best thing about Jack?
He’s so easy to talk to and asks lots of questions, which is always a good sign.

Would you introduce Jack to your friends?
He seems like the kind of person who could chat to anyone, so sure.

Describe Jack in three words.
Laid-back, kind, genuine.

What do you think Jack made of you?
I’m really unsure, but hopefully he enjoyed my company. We definitely had quite a few things in common.

Did you go on somewhere?
We didn’t, but we did stick around drinking cocktails in the restaurant until around 11pm.

And … did you kiss?
Sorry to disappoint, but no.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I wish it didn’t suddenly tip it down as I was approaching the restaurant.

Marks out of 10?
A strong 8.

Would you meet again?
I’m not sure: a romantic spark was probably missing. But he’s definitely good company, so I’d be open to it even if just as friends.

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

Jack on Kat

Jack
Jack

What were you hoping for?
Interesting conversation, a connection and a fun evening. Also to avoid making a complete arse of myself.

First impressions?
Relaxed, confident and talkative.

What did you talk about?
Où est le Poulet. Travelling. Hangover cures. Off Menu menus. Weddings. Recent shows we’d seen (Alanis Morissette and Beauty & the Beast). Bungee jumping traumas.

Any awkward moments?
My rotten egg-smelling cocktail.

Good table manners?
Immaculate, including some top-notch chopstick skills.

Best thing about Kat?
Her curiosity – for new challenges, experiences and places.

Would you introduce Kat to your friends?
I think they’d get on well and would love a game of Où est le Poulet!

Describe Kat in three words.
Social, sporty and curious.

What do you think Kat made of you?
Hopefully interesting and engaging. We were one of the last in the restaurant, so I can only assume I didn’t bore her too much.

Did you go on somewhere?
We didn’t – it was pretty late by the time we left the restaurant.

And … did you kiss?
No.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
That we’d left enough room for dessert.

Marks out of 10?
9.

Would you meet again?
Of course, but just as friends.

Kat and Jack ate at Fatt Pundit, London WC2E. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com

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