Blind date: ‘He looked like a cross between Andrew Garfield and my primary school crush’
Joe on Alison
What were you hoping for?
A Guardian-sponsored marriage in time for Christmas. Just kidding … but I was keeping my fingers crossed for a little magic.
First impressions?
Gorgeous! And she put me straight at ease.
What did you talk about?
Childhood. Travels. Work. Hobbies. Must-see-musicals. How avocados are overrated. Why turning 30 now requires magnesium supplements. She also told a rollercoaster of a story about her friend finding love after having her bag stolen at a pub quiz.
Most awkward moment?
When the waitress was presenting our starters, I mistakenly referred to the artichoke hearts as figs, but Alison gracefully pretended not to notice.
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
Good table manners?
Absolutely.
Best thing about Alison?
Kind eyes.
Would you introduce Alison to your friends?
Yes, to the ones who’ve read American literature so she can geek out.
Describe Alison in three words.
Beautiful, warm, engaging.
What do you think Alison made of you?
She very generously suggested I look a bit like Andrew Garfield, and I tried to bring the chicken-shop charm.
Did you go on somewhere?
We shared a rainy walk and the tube back to my last train.
And … did you kiss?
Not this time.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
Maybe not leaving the restaurant early to hit a jazz bar in Soho.
Marks out of 10?
9. I have to deduct a point as she admitted to reading the Sunday Times!
Would you meet again?
Here’s hoping!
Alison on Joe
What were you hoping for?
A fun conversation with someone new. And plenty of material for the voice note I’d promised friends on the way home.
First impressions?
Warm, northern, chatty. He looked like a cross between Andrew Garfield and my primary school crush.
What did you talk about?
Karaoke choices. Gigs. Bend it Like Beckham. And we made a pact to drink every time either of us mentioned the Guardian or this questionnaire. The bottle vanished pretty quickly.
Most awkward moment?
Getting out of a banquette is harder than it looks, OK?
Good table manners?
Impeccable.
Best thing about Joe?
He’s one of the most genuine and curious-minded people I’ve ever met. And he didn’t seem alarmed by how overexcited I got about our mutual love of the band Paramore and the pistachio-based pudding we shared, or my insistence he watch Bend it Like Beckham immediately.
Would you introduce Joe to your friends?
You could throw Joe into any social situation and he’d thrive.
Describe Joe in three words.
Interesting and interested.
What do you think Joe made of you?
Hopefully someone he enjoyed talking to, even if I may have ruined Budapest for him.
Did you go on somewhere?
Just to the tube.
And … did you kiss?
No.
Related: Blind date: ‘10 out of 10, I felt positively giddy on the train ride home’
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
Maybe more of a romantic spark? It felt like chatting with a friend, but that’s my favourite pastime so no complaints.
Marks out of 10?
8. Rainy evenings don’t get much better.
Would you meet again?
We’ve already picked the karaoke duet.
Alison and Joe ate at Quo Vadis, London W1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
