Blind date: ‘He saw his Instagram handle in my phone's search history. I'm not a stalker, promise'
My parents met on a blind date and I thought it would be a bit of fun.
First impressions?
Friendly and funny, if a bit younger than I'd usually go for.
What did you talk about?
Our summer plans, the festivals we're going to. We both love film, so we exchanged our Letterboxd top four.
Most awkward moment?
When he put his Instagram handle in my phone it popped up that I'd searched for him. I'm not a stalker, Matt, promise.
Good table manners?
It's quite hard to eat Sri Lankan food with grace, but he did his best.
Best thing about Matthew?
It was nice to see the energy of someone moving to the city for the first time.
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 Matthew to your friends?
Yeah, for sure!
Describe Matthew in three words
Fun, friendly, chill.
What do you think he made of you?
We had a good vibe going.
Did you go on somewhere?
We went to a pub and discussed how to pronounce the beer Jubel.And … did you kiss?
There's just something in a Jubel that makes me want to kiss someone, so yes.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I think I'm looking for someone who's in a slightly different phase of life.
Marks out of 10?
9.
Would you meet again?
I'm sure we'll bump into each other on a night out in London.
What were you hoping for?
When do you actually get the chance to go on a proper blind date? I had very little expectation; I was just looking to have a laugh.
First impressions?
Great hair and moustache, and I liked what he was wearing.
What did you talk about?
Music, the different places in London he's lived, where I should live next, our favourite pubs in the city. And how the beer Jubel is pronounced, which included asking several strangers and watching a couple of YouTube videos.
Most awkward moment?
Probably that he had to help me finish my pint at the end.
Good table manners?
Definitely. We shared every dish.
Best thing about Edward?
He has a very laid-back and fun energy; very easy to get along with.
Would you introduce Edward to your friends?
I'd just come from a friend's birthday drinks. I did consider messaging them to see if we could rejoin them.
Describe Edward in three words
Intelligent, funny, well-dressed.
What do you think he made of you?
I hope I wasn't talking his ear off; we had a good laugh.
Did you go on somewhere?
After all that talk about the best pubs in the city, he showed me one of his favourites.
And … did you kiss?
Would've been rude not to.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Maybe the weather: walking across the city in 31-degree heat meant I had to freshen up when I got to the restaurant.
Marks out of 10?
9.
Would you meet again?
I'm sure I'll bump into him somewhere soon.
Edward and Matthew ate at Kolamba East, London E1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
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