Mike on Ailsa
What were you hoping for?
Good conversation with someone interesting.
First impressions?
Ailsa arrived with real energy – she bounced in smiling and warm.
What did you talk about?
Family. Jobs. Travel and culture. Ailsa is really passionate about live music in a way that I’m simply not, although she lit up when I shared my brother’s theory that all indie music sounds like it belongs on The Inbetweeners.
Most awkward moment?
The times when conversation dipped. We both made an effort, but you know you’re low on ideas when you ask about someone’s weekend plans.
Good table manners?
Excellent.
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
Best thing about Ailsa?
Her positive energy. She never stopped trying to make the evening work.
Would you introduce Ailsa to your friends?
Probably not – we move in different orbits.
Describe Ailsa in three words
Energetic, positive, independent.
What do you think Ailsa made of you?
I think she found me pleasant, but not quite what she was looking for. She had hoped to meet someone quirky like herself.
Did you go on somewhere?
No. The evening reached its natural conclusion.
And … did you kiss?
No.
If you could change one thing?
A corner seat rather than a booth might have made the conversation feel more relaxed.
Marks out of 10?
7. A decent evening with someone genuinely different from me.
Would you meet again?
I’m not sure there was a connection.
Ailsa on Mike
What were you hoping for?
Some good craic and a nice free dinner.
First impressions?
We were both early so I figured we must have something in common. I wish he had stood up to greet me though.
What did you talk about?
Our families. Travel. Work. Our unpopular opinions.
Most awkward moment?
He tried to shake my hand at the end of the night – I went in for a hug. Or maybe when he told me his family had organised the whole date for him.
Good table manners?
Absolutely.
Best thing about Mike?
He’s had a lot of diverse experience in life and that makes for good stories.
Would you introduce Mike to your friends?
Absolutely. He’d fit right in.
Describe Mike in three words
Amiable, funny, polite.
What do you think Mike made of you?
I couldn’t really say.
Did you go on somewhere?
Nope. It was a school night and we’d already had rather a lot of wine.
And … did you kiss?
No. I didn’t feel like there was a moment during which kissing might have made sense.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I didn’t realise we were in for a three‑course meal – I didn’t leave enough space for the mains.
Marks out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
I didn’t feel a strong connection.
Ailsa and Mike ate at Chargal, London W1. Fancy a blind date?
Email blind.date@theguardian.com