David on Eva
What were you hoping for?
A fun evening, something out of my comfort zone and, at a minimum, a few copies of the physical column.
First impressions?
Wait, I’m pretty certain we used to live next door to each other in lockdown.
What did you talk about?
The odds of being set up by the Guardian with one of your old neighbours. The fact that there is no one new left for us to meet. How supporting Arsenal has brought her closer to her family and community.
Most awkward moment?
I was told Eva’s mum is concerned that I won’t write words good in my section, so I should proofread it to ensure my prose is nice, and maybe rent a thesaurus to make it a bit more exciting.
Q&AFancy a blind date?
Show
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
Good table manners?
Seemed great to me, but I’m not a table manners connoisseur.
Best thing about Eva?
Very funny and very easy to talk to.
Would you introduce Eva to your friends?
I believe she knows a fair few of my old housemates, but I would happily introduce her to the rest.
Describe Eva in three words.
Funny, charming and outgoing.
What do you think Eva made of you?
I hope she enjoyed her evening and her stereotype of mathematics PhDs has been changed.
Did you go on somewhere?
Up the road to the pub for a pint.
And … did you kiss?
No, we didn’t.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I overindulged on the olives. That much sodium can’t be good for me.
Marks out of 10?
It was a fun evening, so got to be 9.
Would you meet again?
There was an invitation floated to a house party next week, so there is a decent possibility.
Eva on David
What were you hoping for?
A great meet-cute, or at least a fun evening and some good pasta.
First impressions?
Disbelief the Guardian had set me up with my old neighbour. Also relieved as I knew we would have a nice evening.
What did you talk about?
We reminisced about our old road. His PhD, which he explained very well to someone not mathsy. Why I should support Clapton FC instead of Arsenal.
Most awkward moment?
The restaurant having no idea why we were there, so we had to share a table with another couple.
Good table manners?
He purposely didn’t order spaghetti, so his table manners weren’t fully tested.
Best thing about David?
He has a wide range of interests which makes him easy to talk to. He is also a good listener.
Would you introduce David to your friends?
He already knows lots; they get on well.
Describe David in three words.
Engaging, intelligent and warm.
What do you think David made of you?
I hope he was glad this conversation was not over the garden fence.
Did you go on somewhere?
To look at the Cutty Sark on the Thames as I was embarrassed I’d never seen it, then to a pub nearby.
And … did you kiss?
No, we parted ways on the train.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
A smoother start – not having a table wasn’t ideal.
Marks out of 10?
8.5.
Would you meet again?
I invited him and our old neighbours to our house party next week.
David and Eva ate at Pasta Evangelists, London SE10. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com