Frances on Eddie
What were you hoping for?
A lovely evening with pleasant company.
First impressions?
Eddie looked much younger and fitter than I had expected. He had bought me flowers and a thoughtful card which helped break the ice.
What did you talk about?
Politics. His interest in animal rights and protests. My interests in golf and volunteering. Everything!
Most awkward moment?
None.
Good table manners?
Excellent.
Best thing about Eddie?
His openness to other views. Although he has strong opinions on politics and animal rights, he was willing to accept different points of view. He was very thoughtful, kind and caring.
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
Would you introduce Eddie to your friends?
I’m not sure many of them would have a lot in common.
Describe Eddie in three words
Political, fit and caring.
What do you think Eddie made of you?
I hope he thought I was OK, and with my heart in the right place.
Did you go on somewhere?
Only to the bus stop.
And … did you kiss?
Just a hug on arrival and departure.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I don’t think I’d change anything. Eddie was good company and the food and drink in the restaurant were excellent.
Marks out of 10?
A strong 8.
Would you meet again?
We exchanged numbers but the distance – he lives more than 100 miles away – might prove prohibitive. We did talk about the possibility of a picnic together, though.
Eddie on Frances
What were you hoping for?
A femme fatale to make a better world. Failing that, two strangers enjoying each other’s company over Italian food.
First impressions?
Smart, great appearance, an easy-to-be-with manner.
What did you talk about?
Does love make the world go round? What are we looking for – how do we see the future when time is not on the table?
Most awkward moment?
None.
Good table manners?
With Italian gusto I knocked over a glass of red. Frances kindly rearranged the table.
Best thing about Frances?
Straight, honest talker. Good listener.
Would you introduce Frances to your friends?
No. Frances is way too gentle for my activist friends.
Describe Frances in three words
Lovely caring nature.
Best thing about Frances?
An ambitious dreamer, sense of purpose, loads of good energy.
Did you go on somewhere?
I believe that distance shouldn’t stand in the way of love, so I met Frances even though she was in a different city. I did have to catch the last train though …
And … did you kiss?
No.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
No change.
Marks out of 10?
10.
Would you meet again?
I feel we are at a different stage of our journeys, but we did exchange numbers.
Frances and Eddie ate at Vivo restaurant in Nottingham. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com