Blind date: ‘Did we kiss? I like to keep it classy'
What were you hoping for?
Someone to give me a little bit of hope after dating app-induced burnout.
First impressions?
The reality of it being a blind date hit when I got stuck on the tube and couldn't text to let him know he hadn't been stood up – but he met me with a lovely open energy (and great hair).
What did you talk about?
We ended up spending six hours together, so everything got covered: yoga and pilates, our travels to Japan and Morocco, interpretive dance, being newly 30, invisible string theory …
Most awkward moment?
I wouldn't say awkward, but hilariously I discovered that I went to drama school with his sister.
Good table manners?
Brilliant.
Best thing about Benjy?
His sense of humour, openness and our birthdays only being four days apart.
Would you introduce Benjy to your friends?
Yeah!
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
Describe Benjy in three words.
Joyful, receptive and open-hearted.
What do you think Benjy made of you?
My work is about understanding communication … but after a couple of Aperol spritzes it's hard to figure out someone's thoughts about you. Though I have a feeling it was good.
Did you go on somewhere?
Yes – I would highly recommend a pub quiz on a first date.
And … did you kiss?
No, I like to keep it classy.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
To not have left so quickly when we said goodbye. Sorry Benjy.
Marks out of 10?
9.
Would you meet again?
We've exchanged numbers and have messaged a few times.
What were you hoping for?
For conversation to flow and to make each other laugh – equal parts flirting and seriously debating unserious topics.
First impressions?
A little late, extremely apologetic, confident, chatty and a really nice smile.
What did you talk about?
Our specialist pub quiz categories. Our best terrible date stories. Is it OK to punch racists. Who we'd pick to go into space with. And the fact she went to drama school with my sister.
Most awkward moment?
Watching her face drop when I said The Lord of the Rings was my favourite film.
Good table manners?
She handled the clams with grace.
Best thing about Annice?
So easy to talk to. I felt comfortable enough to make some stupid jokes. She was generous enough to laugh at them.
Would you introduce Annice to your friends?
Yes. It's hard to imagine anyone not getting on with her.
Describe Annice in three words.
Warm, confident and self-aware.
What do you think she made of you?
She said I didn't seem like a scientist, which is probably a compliment.
Did you go on somewhere?
We went for a drink and got roped into the pub quiz. We came second (there were three teams).
And … did you kiss?
Nope.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I don't think either of us had been on a sit-down, lunch-first date before. Meeting in the evening may have helped set the mood better.
Marks out of 10?
8
Would you meet again?
She wants to see the new Peter Andre film – maybe there's a second date there.
Benjy and Annice ate at Citro, London N6. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
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