Blind date: ‘My rushing to make the tube doors felt rather shabby, definitely not chic’

Tom on Francoise

What were you hoping for?
The unexpected.

First impressions?
Elegant.

What did you talk about?
Family, in the Larkin sense, and past lives. Service, care, presence and community. Places we’ve been, places to go. Books, gardens and food.

Most awkward moment?
An ungracious wobble on the tube rushing to make the doors as we parted. A poor closing on my part.

Good table manners?
Impeccable, of course.

Best things about Francoise?
A good listener, self-awareness and curiosity.

Would you introduce Francoise to your friends?
Yes.

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

Describe Francoise in three words.
Intelligent, caring and curious.

What do you think Francoise made of you?
Possibly slightly puzzled.

Did you go on somewhere?
The station, and our own ways.

And … did you kiss?
Far too nervous, far too public, and wouldn’t tell anyway.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
My nervous departure. It felt rather shabby and definitely not chic. I’ve been too long in the sticks.

Marks out of 10?
For Francoise, 7.5. For the evening, 7.

Would you meet again?
For sure. However, it would be as friends, I think. I suspect we live in very different ways, which may not be compatible with anything more.

Francoise on Tom

What were you hoping for?
New conversation and good food. Something different, an adventure!

First impressions?
Tom brought me a small gift, which was very thoughtful. He has a warm personality and I felt at ease immediately.

What did you talk about?
Boats. Nursing. Books. My allotment. Life experiences …

Most awkward moment?
Saying goodbye on a busy tube. Tom phoned the next day to apologise for a “poor” goodbye, which wasn’t at all necessary.

Good table manners?
Yep.

Best thing about Tom?
Compassionate, and has a great laugh.

Would you introduce Tom to your friends?
Tom would find common ground with anyone, so why not.

Describe Tom in three words.
Warm, kind, empathetic.

What do you think Tom made of you?
I’ve no idea. But if my impression of Tom is right, he isn’t one to pick apart someone’s personality. I don’t think there was a romantic spark for either of us.

Did you go on somewhere?
To the station.

And … did you kiss?
No.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
That Tom felt a little more comfortable – I think he prefers quieter spaces to bright lights, dinner and drinks.

Marks out of 10?
Tom clearly has thoughtfulness in abundance. For that alone, 10.

Would you meet again?
Absolutely, in the right setting, as friends.

Tom and Francoise ate at Officina 00, London EC1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com