Blind date: ‘I can’t think of a reason not to award a 10’

Rashpal on Chloe

What were you hoping for?
A pleasant evening full of glowing conversation and good food.

First impressions?
Friendly and a lovely smile.

What did you talk about?
Poetry. Literature. Writers. Major events in our lives. Children. Our careers. Even music.

Most awkward moment?
I knocked over my beer bottle but Chloe didn’t seem to mind.

Good table manners?
Excellent.

Best thing about Chloe?
Her conversation and confidence.

Would you introduce Chloe to your friends?
Absolutely.

Describe Chloe in three words.
Charming, creative and polite.

What do you think Chloe made of you?
I am sure she enjoyed my company and conversation on literature.

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

Did you go on somewhere?
No, her last train was pending.

And … did you kiss?
We had a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I had rushed to make 7pm because of parking issues and must have seemed flustered. That’s what I would change, because Chloe seemed very relaxed.

Marks out of 10?
A solid 9.

Would you meet again?
Probably ...

Chloe on Rashpal

What were you hoping for?
Thunderbolts and lightning! Or at least, a fun evening.

First impressions?
Tall, handsome, smiley.

What did you talk about?
Books. Poems. Politics. Travels. I was fascinated to hear about Rashpal’s work in prisons. We disagreed on whether Leonardo DiCaprio makes a good Romeo … Of course he does!

Most awkward moment?
I can be very nosy, so maybe I asked one or two questions that were overly direct.

Good table manners?
Excellent. He shared his pudding with me, and his pot of tea.

Best thing about Rashpal?
He is full of enthusiasm and has a vivid way of describing his experiences.

Would you introduce Rashpal to your friends?
Of course. Rashpal would enliven any social occasion.

Describe Rashpal in three words
Wholehearted, genuine and open.

What do you think he made of you?
Curious and determined to enjoy myself (I didn’t hold back on the martinis).

Did you go on somewhere?
We lingered in the restaurant until we were the only people left and then I had to dash for the last train.

And … did you kiss?
The vibe felt more friendly than romantic – although I believe friendly is a fine place to begin. So a warm hug and a kiss on the cheek.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Nothing – the food was delicious and the company fantastic.

Marks out of 10?
I can’t think of a reason not to award a 10.

Would you meet again?
Happily.

Rashpal and Chloe ate at Sabai Sabai, Waterloo St, Birmingham. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com