Blind date: ‘I hadn’t been on a date for nearly 15 years and it showed’

1 day ago 11

Sarah on Russell

What were you hoping for?
A romantic connection. Failing that, getting to know someone I might not otherwise have crossed paths with.

First impressions?
Tall, slim and seemingly in a rush – maybe because I was already seated.

What did you talk about?
His love of Montessori. Children’s play versus split digraphs. My trip to Iceland. Tree-planting projects … It was a bit of a whirlwind of abstract musings.

Most awkward moment?
It would be difficult to feel awkward in the company of Russell.

Good table manners?
Absolutely – he spotted I was wrestling with mussel detritus and in need of an extra plate.

Q&A

Fancy 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 [email protected]

Best thing about Russell?
His amiable nature and passion for community projects.

Would you introduce Russell to your friends?
Yes, why not.

Describe Russell in three words
Loquacious, big-hearted, unconventional.

What do you think Russell made of you?
Passionate about animals and nature, academic, enjoys a big spread of tapas?

Did you go on somewhere?
No. Russell stayed behind to pick at the cold leftovers, insisting I was fine to go.

And … did you kiss?
No.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
Maybe a slower pace of chat, discussing a few concrete things about our lives.

Marks out of 10?
7.

Would you meet again?
Maybe as friends. We have discussed visiting the east coast puffins.

Russell on Sarah

What were you hoping for?
A highly intelligent woman who loves a meaningful chinwag.

First impressions?
A warm smile.

What did you talk about?
Sarah’s whale-watching adventure in Iceland. Her family living in southern Italy. I loved the story of her parents giving her apricots for Easter, as an alternative to chocolate eggs.

Most awkward moment?
I may have talked too much. In fact, I know did!

Good table manners?
Sarah was a smooth operator around the tapas dishes.

Best thing about Sarah?
Her ability to share and exchange thoughts.

Would you introduce her to your friends?
Yes.

Describe Sarah in three words
Interesting, adventurous and attractive.

What do you think Sarah made of you?
A crazed Yorkshireman who never stops talking.

Did you go on anywhere?
Sadly, no. I sensed Sarah had had enough and didn’t fancy me.

Did you kiss?
No kiss.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I’d not been on a date for nearly 15 years and it showed. I wish I had taken a chill pill.

Marks out of 10?
9.
Would you meet again?
We exchanged numbers to visit Bempton Cliffs in North Yorkshire.

Sarah and Russell ate at Bar Iberico in Nottingham. Fancy a blind date? Email [email protected]

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