Blind date: ‘She could sweep me off my feet if she tried’

Margaret on Dee

What were you hoping for?
Congenial company and the possibility of romance.

First impressions?
Welcoming, enthusiastic, good conversationalist, eager to launch herself into the champagne.

What did you talk about?
We had a wide-ranging conversation as befits two lives lived, the rough and the smooth, and how we became what we are today. We also talked about how we both enjoy a multitude of activities available to us in retirement.

Most awkward moment?
Feeling my age when I couldn’t bring to mind the authors of a couple of books I had recently enjoyed.

Good table manners?
She knows how to handle a luscious-looking steak.

Best thing about Dee?
She could sweep me off my feet if she tried.

Would you introduce Dee to your friends?
Yes, they would like that.

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 Dee in three words.
Strong-minded, imaginative, quick‑thinking – does that count as three words?

What do you think Denise made of you?
She definitely liked me.

Did you go on somewhere?
Sadly my date had a prior engagement. I think she must have more stamina than me for burning the candle at both ends.

And … did you kiss?
We did indeed.

If you could change one thing about the date, what would it be?
Warmer weather.

Marks out of 10?
9.

Would you meet again?
Any time.

Dee on Margaret

What were you hoping for?
Someone broadly on the same wavelength, laughter, a shared appreciation of either some fiction writers or music.

First impressions?
Maybe dressed a little too casually for a smart French restaurant, but smiling, tall and slim.

What did you talk about?
The shape of each of our lives, travel, friends, bridge tournaments, her French studies. We transported ourselves in our imaginations to Normandy, where Margaret had enjoyed eating oysters.

Most awkward moment?
She ordered a tonic water to start; I ordered champagne.

Good table manners?
Excellent – oysters on a first date handled with savoir-faire.

Best thing about Margaret?
She’s warm and positive about life.

Would you introduce Margaret to your friends?
Only if this has legs.

Describe Margaret in three words.
Intelligent, curious and a good person.

What do you think Margaret made of you?
I think she liked me.

Did you go on somewhere?
No, but we stayed long into the afternoon; I had a prior appointment at a jazz venue.

And … did you kiss?
Versions may differ here … She kissed me and I applaud her initiative, but it was too soon for me.

If you could change one thing about the date, what would it be?
That I had noticed her biker jacket earlier in the afternoon – kudos for that!

Marks out of 10?
7.

Would you meet again?
Could be a slow-burner, but really I think we may live in different worlds.

Margaret and Dee ate at 65a, London E1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com