Blind date: ‘A drunk birthday girl tried to join our date and had to be forcibly removed by her friends’
Alan on Robert
What were you hoping for?
To get out of the usual apps-based dating at the very least – and maybe even the start of something great.
First impressions?
Calm, friendly and handsome. When we got to the bar it had closed down and it was raining torrentially, which broke the ice. He suggested a bottle of champagne as a first drink which I rated highly.
What did you talk about?
Our mutual love of Jessie Ware. Our excitement for the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special. How Rob was voted funniest in his year at school (unsurprising).
Most awkward moment?
A drunk birthday girl tried to join our date and had to be forcibly removed by her friends. (Happy birthday again, Lauren, wherever you are.)
Good table manners?
Absolutely. He kept that champagne glass nicely topped up.
Best thing about Robert?
He is totally genuine, knows himself and what he stands for. And it would be remiss of me not to mention his 10 out of 10 smile.
Would you introduce Robert to your friends?
Absolutely – they would love him!
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
Describe Robert in three words.
Funny, warm and confident.
What do you think Robert made of you?
A positive person with a good outlook and a sense of organised chaos, which I hope he liked.
Did you go on somewhere?
We did a bit of bar hopping for as long as they kept letting us in places. Not bad for a school night.
And … did you kiss?
We did!
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
In hindsight, perhaps I shouldn’t have done my impression or quoted The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills at him quite so much. But seriously, other than wishing we had more time, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Marks out of 10?
10. Anyone willing to get to the depths of east London from Oxford to meet a stranger on a rainy Tuesday deserves full marks.
Would you meet again?
Definitely. I felt a connection, so fingers crossed …
Robert on Alan
What were you hoping for?
To do something out of my comfort zone and meet someone proper lovely.
First impressions?
Calming and warm energy – he put me at ease straight away.
What did you talk about?
There was a lot of deep emotional chat nicely counterbalanced by our shared love of Gavin & Stacey, the pros and cons of solo travelling, our aspirations to be better humans, and a chat about Cilla Black.
Most awkward moment?
When we turned up to find out the restaurant had permanently closed. But thankfully Alan saved the day and knew a place nearby.
Good table manners?
As good as can be when eating fried chicken and chips with special sauce.
Best thing about Alan?
He seems to know himself well and wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable. The Irish accent is a definite winner, too.
Would you introduce Alan to your friends?
Without a doubt. I’m pretty sure they’d like him a lot.
Describe Alan in three words.
Sincere, engaging and kind.
What do you think Alan made of you?
A devourer of chicken wings. I hope he thought I was nice, too.
Did you go on somewhere?
For another drink at a very questionable bar nearby. But the decor was 10 out of 10, as was the company.
And … did you kiss?
I couldn’t possibly admit that.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Calling it a night a little bit earlier, as we definitely got a bit carried away for a school night. It was worth it though.
Marks out of 10?
Let’s go all out – it’s a 10 from me.
Would you meet again?
I reckon so. We may have it in the diary already …
Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
