Blind date: ‘We were the last people in the restaurant – we stayed for four hours!’

Miranda on Polly

What were you hoping for?
Someone fun and kind, with good chat and good politics.

First impressions?
Really pretty and cool. She seemed confident in a way that put me at ease quickly.

What did you talk about?
Finance as a religion. ACAB. The Edinburgh fringe. Books. Italy. Volunteering. Colonialism. What our parents thought of us doing Blind Date. Growing up queer. Getting bad ratings on Airbnb.

Any awkward moments?
We read out the biographies we’d been sent about each other in advance of the date! Definitely both cringed at ourselves.

Good table manners?
Perfect.

Best thing about Polly?
She really cares about other people and the world, but doesn’t take life too seriously.

Would you introduce Polly to your friends?
Absolutely. They’d love her.

Describe Polly in three words.
Interesting, effortlessly cool.

What do you think Polly made of you?
I’m hoping that I was cute and nice!

Did you go on somewhere?
We both had work in the morning so no, but I think we were the last people in the restaurant – we were there for about four hours!

And … did you kiss?
We didn’t. Shoulda!

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

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
It was a really lovely evening. I don’t think I would change anything.

Marks out of 10?
10s across the board. How embarrassing if she now gives me a 4!

Would you meet again?
Absolutely.

Polly on Miranda

What were you hoping for?
A sunny summer evening with gorgeous company, wine and pasta.

First impressions?
Very pretty and she put me at ease.

What did you talk about?
Inflatable bath tubs. Queer community groups of Nottingham. Urges to climb up random ladders in the restaurant.

Any awkward moments?
I finished my meal in about 10 seconds, while she had barely started …

Good table manners?
Faultless, and I really liked when she very bluntly said “no” when I offered her some of my dessert.

Best thing about Miranda?
She’s super-motivated and interesting.

Would you introduce Miranda to your friends?
Miranda would get on with anyone, so they would be just fine!

Describe Miranda in three words
Warm, funny and driven.

Related: Blind date: ‘Did we kiss? A lady never kisses and tells …’

What do you think Miranda made of you?
Perhaps that I was erratically chatty. I also worry she thought I was serious when I said that I’m into the idea of being serenaded with drumming.

Did you go on somewhere?
Just a little stroll to our respective transport homes.

And … did you kiss?
We did not.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
For lovely company, nothing, but I am not sure it had a romantic spark.

Marks out of 10?
8.

Would you meet again?
I would be happily surprised to bump into her at a queer comedy night.

Miranda and Polly ate at Cin Cin, London W1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com