Blind date: ‘Oh God, he looks like one of my exes!’

Sylvia on Miles

What were you hoping for?
Chemistry.

First impressions?
Oh God, he looks like one of my exes!

What did you talk about?
Education, as he is a newly retired head and I have just started work as a learning support assistant in a school. We also talked a bit about Brexit. He actually introduced the subject, and I couldn’t agree more with him.

Any awkward moments?
When we parted – I didn’t feel like giving more than a polite goodbye.

Good table manners?
No disappointment. I really appreciated that he wanted to share the vegan choices. I don’t force my veganism on others, but like it if someone makes an effort.

Best thing about Miles?
He seems kind, appreciative of the good things in life and has emotional as well as practical intelligence.

Would you introduce Miles to your friends?
I would definitely introduce him as a friend as he seemed like a lovely man.

Describe Miles in three words
Kind, intelligent and confident.

What do you think he made of you?
I think he liked me and gave me a great compliment about my art, which I really appreciated. Cheers for that, Miles!

Did you go on somewhere?
We didn’t, as we both had to catch the last train.

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

And … did you kiss?
The evening was not sealed with a kiss.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Some chemistry between us. I wasn’t attracted to him, although I thought he was great and so easy to talk to.
Marks out of 10?
10. He is a gorgeous human being.

Would you meet again?
I would meet him again, for a friendly outing.

Miles on Sylvia

What were you hoping for?
Great conversation with someone new over a delicious meal and good wine.

First impressions?
Petite, pretty, and extremely colourful from the waist down.

What did you talk about?
The food and wine (which were great). Veganism. Brexit. Populism. Ways to be optimistic. Art. Travel. Bonding with cats. And love in your fuck-it-50s.

Any awkward moments?
Saying goodbye. Not sure why. Maybe we were both wondering whether or not to suggest exchanging numbers.

Good table manners?
We were sharing plates, with the risk of double dipping, sleeves in the sauce or elbowing a dish into your date’s lap. Sylvia was a pleasure to eat with.

Best thing about Sylvia?
Her compassion and care for others.

Related: Blind date: ‘I spied her hiding at the bar, getting a pep talk from the host’

Would you introduce Sylvia to your friends?
Certainly.

Describe Sylvia in three words
Creative, thoughtful, fun.

What do you think she made of you?
I’ve a feeling I went on too long about Sylvia’s art. She is sublimely talented.

Did you go on somewhere?
No, but we stayed in the restaurant late enough to take home the unsold cakes.

And … did you kiss?
Cheeks only.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I’d drink one less glass of wine and avoid the 3am headache.

Marks out of 10?
8.

Would you meet again?
We’ve lived our lives very differently, and are not an obvious match. But Sylvia is great company, and I’d like to get to know her better – so yes.

Sylvia and Miles ate at Ottolenghi Spitalfields, London E1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com