Blind date in Cologne: ‘He walked me to my car. Unfortunately, I had parked very close by'

The Guardian

05-04-2025

What were you hoping for?To find a nice connection with someone like-minded and with a romantic touch – it is a date after all!
First impressions?We were both relieved to find out we were not matched with our colleagues with the same names.
What did you talk about?Karneval season in Germany. How difficult it is to learn German. Over-tourism spoiling beautiful places. The challenges of ending difficult relationships. And, of course, Trump.
Most awkward moment?We arrived at the same time and I recognised him when he asked for a reservation under the Guardian … which was kind of cute, actually.
Good table manners?Impeccable.
Best thing about Ian?He complimented me, which was very special. He also walked me to my car at the end of the evening. Unfortunately, I had parked very close by.
Would you introduce Ian to your friends?To some of them for sure, they would get along.
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 [e-mail]
Describe Ian in three words.Sweet, charming and easygoing.
What do you think Ian made of you?That I have good taste in wine, I hope.
Did you go on somewhere?It was already late, but had it been a Friday I would have proposed it.
And … did you kiss?No, but a nice warm hug. I don't normally kiss on a first date.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?To have met on a weekend.
Marks out of 10?9.
Would you meet again?We are planning on a hike with my dog soon.
What were you hoping for?Great food and company (also that I wouldn't already know her because Cologne can feel like a village).
First impressions?Wow! She's lovely and radiant, albeit slightly nervous, like I was.
What did you talk about?Places we have lived. Hiking. Italian food and wine – she knows her stuff, but then she is Italian.
Most awkward moment?None from her, but I was a bit clumsy in the cutlery department.
Good table manners?Very elegant. I eat with my fork in my right hand, so she probably thought I was unsophisticated – which I am.
Best thing about Monique?Very easy to talk with and good fun.
Would you introduce Monique to your friends?Of course, but I'd have to send some of them on a training course first.
Describe Monique in three words.Sophisticated, beautiful and fascinating.
What do you think she made of you?I don't know – maybe that I was all right? Who knows?
Did you go on somewhere?The usual answer: it was a school night.
And … did you kiss?A hug and a peck on the cheek.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?That the restaurant could have stayed open until 5am.
Marks out of 10?8 (although I'm hedging my bets here).
Would you meet again?We are going hiking soon, hopefully.
Monique and Ian ate at Ox Royal in Cologne. Fancy a blind date? Email [e-mail]