Blind date: ‘10 out of 10, I felt positively giddy on the train ride home’
Sarah on Max
What were you hoping for?
To be ambushed by a young Oliver Reed and charioted through London on a golden carriage.
First impressions?
I’m glad we both ordered a cocktail called El Corazón (meaning “the heart”) because we were, indeed, both dealing with matters of the heart.
What did you talk about?
The impact of the Swedish midnight sun on circadian rhythm. Why vampires are sexier than other ghouls.
Most awkward moment?
Perhaps I was too interested in the fact he had an EU passport.
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?
I felt the Guardian was gunning for mishaps with the small-plates-on-a-first-date format – but we avoided them due to his gracefulness. Both being older siblings, we agreed that the “one person cuts the portions and the other chooses” is a noble way of sharing.
Best thing about Max?
Contagious smile.
Would you introduce Max to your friends?
I’d introduce Max to my dog, which may rank higher than my friends. They’re both Australians (she’s a mini Aussie shepherd).
Describe Max in three words.
Easy on the eyes.
What do you think Max made of you?
I suspect he’s still figuring that out.
Did you go on somewhere?
Yes, on many, many tangents.
And … did you kiss?
My mum reads this column!
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I would’ve made the guacamole a teensy bit spicier to match our vibe.
Marks out of 10?
8 – but he only loses two points because neither the golden chariot nor the young Oliver Reed materialised at any point in the evening!
Would you meet again?
Are you offering to sponsor another date?
Max on Sarah
What were you hoping for?
On the surface level, not a whole lot. But deep down, hopefully to have a real connection.
First impressions?
As Sarah walked into the restaurant. I thought: “Please be her, please be her!”
What did you talk about?
Feels like damn near everything! Conversation went by in an absolute blur! To pick a few I would say: Our jobs. Families. Music festivals. Bad jokes. Movies (how good is The Death of Stalin?). Hiking spots. Our favourite recipes. How concerning it is that one in three UK adults can’t swim.
Most awkward moment?
The beginning, trying to suss each other out.
Good table manners?
As good as they can be with Mexican food that you eat with your hands. We shared our dishes.
Best thing about Sarah?
Halfway through she said: “I think we’re definitely seeing each other again, right?” I really like that directness.
Would you introduce Sarah to your friends?
I’d introduce her to friends, family and whoever I can grab off the street.
Describe Sarah in three words.
Vivacious, exuberant, hilarious.
What do you think Sarah made of you?
A fellow chatty, passionate person who can match her crazy with my own.
Did you go on somewhere?
No. We wanted to, but she was staying at her parents’ that night and I had to catch a train out of London.
And … did you kiss?
We certainly did, rather enthusiastically.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
Moved it to the weekend so it could have gone on longer.
Marks out of 10?
10 out of 10, felt positively giddy on the train ride home. One of the best dates I’ve been on in a long, long time.
Would you meet again?
I definitely hope so. We traded numbers and Instagram handles, and have made tentative plans to meet up again.
Max and Sarah ate at Zapote, London EC2. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
