Blind date: ‘A mullet is always going to make a strong first impression – and I'm a bit of a mullet-phobe!'
What were you hoping for?Not to have met him before, but to want to meet him again.
First impressions?
A mullet is always going to make a strong first impression – and I'm a bit of a mullet-phobe! But otherwise, a great smile and warm off the bat.
What did you talk about?
A balance of the meaningful (his move back from Australia, my work move) and the incidental (from World Book Day outfits to how to pick a melon).
Most awkward moment?
He brought me a pack of Revels, as he said they're like a blind date: you don't know what you're going to get. So I felt bad I didn't have a gift for him.
Good table manners?
Yes, even when shelling the prawns.
Best thing about Sam?
He's a great conversationalist, with an undertone of silliness (necessary for working with nine-year-olds).
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 applyEmail blind.date@theguardian.com
Would you introduce Sam to your friends?
Yeah.
Describe him in three words
Thoughtful, cheerful and spontaneous.
What do you think he made of you?
I arrived quite chaotically after struggling to find the restaurant, but we quickly settled in for a fun evening.
Did you go on somewhere?
No, though we were the last to leave the restaurant after happily finishing a second bottle of wine.
And … did you kiss?
No, just a hug goodbye outside the station.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
A more local match (he's Maidenhead, out west, and I'm east London).
Marks out of 10?
8, for an enjoyable tapas-fuelled night.
Would you meet again?
Sam was great company, but we're in different places – quite literally.
What were you hoping for?
A nice evening with good company and some tasty food. Bonus points for finding a life partner.
First impressions?
Nice eyes, a creative type, confident.
What did you talk about?
The book industry. Pet cats. Our travels. Family. Festivals.
Most awkward moment?
Taking a gulp of a martini then spurting it back out. I forgot to sip it like a gentleman.
Good table manners?
Absolutely. Fairly shared tapas. No disputes over the patatas bravas.
Best thing about Imogen?
She showed genuine interest in my life. Conversation flowed well.
Would you introduce Imogen to your friends?
I would.
Describe Imogen in three words.
Bubbly, pretty and intelligent.
What do you think she made of you?
I'd like to think kind and interesting.
Did you go on somewhere?
We were the last to leave the restaurant, but went our separate ways at the station.
And … did you kiss?
Just a side-cheek kiss.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Maybe to have enjoyed the tapas outside … or even in Spain for extra authenticity.
Marks out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
As friends at a gig, show or festival, but not romantically. I think it was a mutual feeling.
Imogen and Sam ate at Barrafina, London N1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
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