Blind date: ‘It took some not-so-discreet pointing from the waiters to realise I was heading in the wrong direction’

Abhijit on Alanna

What were you hoping for?
Fun conversations with good company, and the intrigue of a blind date.

First impressions?
Very friendly and charming.

What did you talk about?
Living abroad. Exploring cultures and cuisines. Travel. Politics. Our careers. Standup comedy.

Most awkward moment?
Perhaps figuring out which table to sit at initially, but the lovely staff were very helpful.

Good table manners?
Absolutely.

Best thing about Alanna?
Her interest in food and cooking, and learning about cultures through their cuisines.

Would you introduce Alanna to your friends?
Definitely. She is a very smart and engaging person and would fit in well with them.

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 Alanna in three words.
Curious, passionate and kind.

What do you think Alanna made of you?
That I am easy-going and enjoy a good chat.

Did you go on somewhere?
No, Alanna had an early start the next day.

And … did you kiss?
No, I wouldn’t kiss on a first date anyway.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
It would have been nice if we had had more in common and connected on more of our interests, but we seem to be in different places in our lives right now.

Marks out of 10?
9. Alanna is a wonderful person and we had a pleasant time.

Would you meet again?
I’d be happy to meet again as friends.

Alanna on Abhijit

What were you hoping for?
To meet the love of my life. Failing that, a good story for my next date.

First impressions?
He was friendly and put me at ease.

What did you talk about?
The medicinal power of a Wetherspoon’s hot chocolate. His favourite pizza topping: chicken and pineapple. (I fear he might be banned from Italy.)

Most awkward moment?
When I arrived, I went to sit at a different (empty) table. It took a lot of not-so-discreet pointing from the waiters for me to realise me I was heading in the wrong direction.

Good table manners?
Impeccable.

Best thing about Abhijit?
He has many interesting stories to tell.

Would you introduce Abhijit to your friends?
Yes. They would have a lot to talk about!

Describe Abhijit in three words.
Interesting, engaged and animated.

What do you think Abhijit made of you?
Hopefully, a nice person.

Related: The Guardian and Observer charity telethon 2024: speak to our journalists and donate

Did you go on somewhere?
No, I had an early start the next day.

And … did you kiss?
Just a hug outside the tube station.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I wish I had eaten the final onion bhaji. … the image of it being taken away will haunt me for ever.

Marks out of 10?
7. I had a fabulous evening but sadly there was no romantic spark.

Would you meet again?
I’d be delighted to catch up with him in the future, as friends.

Alanna and Abhijit ate at The Tamil Crown, London N1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com