Taylor on Joshua
What were you hoping for?
Love at first sight? No, honestly—just a good conversation with a nice person. Someone willing to embrace the spirit of the evening.
First impressions?
He had a quiet, calming presence. He got there just before me and had already ordered a sauvignon blanc, so I knew he had good taste.
What did you talk about?
His work as a professional musician and composer—I found that really interesting. We both have dual nationality, so we talked about the perks of that.
Most awkward moment?
The guy at the next table wouldn’t stop staring at us. I almost invited him over!
Good table manners?
Yes, his parents would be proud.
Best thing about Joshua?
His openness and willingness to be vulnerable with someone he just met.
Would you introduce Joshua to your friends?
Probably not, but he might get along with my musically inclined friends.
Describe Joshua in three words:
Open, kind, shy.
What do you think he made of you?
He was hard to read, so I’m not sure. But he laughed at my jokes!
Did you go on somewhere?
Does the tube station count?
And… did you kiss?
We shared a platonic goodbye hug—that’s as far as it went.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
I wish I could have heard one of his compositions. It’s not every day you go out with a music maestro.
Marks out of 10?
6.
Would you meet again?
I don’t think so. There wasn’t a romantic spark, but he’s a lovely person and I enjoyed our time together.
—
Joshua on Taylor
What were you hoping for?
Honestly, just a decent conversation. A bit of chemistry would have been nice too.
First impressions?
“Handsome” was the first word that came to mind. Beyond that, he was polite, genuinely warm, and had a friendly vibe.
What did you talk about?
Our connections to the US, travel, sports, work, and family.
Most awkward moment?
Probably when the guy at the next table decided to chime in. Kind of killed the mood.
Good table manners?
He was very good, though I might have noticed an elbow or two on the table at one point. Just a small thing!
Best thing about Taylor?
He’s genuinely curious and asks great questions—it makes you feel heard.
Would you introduce Taylor to your friends?
Absolutely. He’s got a good energy.Taylor has great energy and seems like the kind of person my friends would easily get along with.
Describe Taylor in three words:
Warm, outgoing, kind.
What do you think he made of you?
I think my passion for music probably stood out—hopefully in a good way.
Did you go on somewhere?
We just took a walk to the tube station. Kept it relaxed.
And… did you kiss?
No.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
Just that little interruption from the table next to us.
Marks out of 10?
A solid 8.
Would you meet again?
Yes, definitely.
Joshua and Taylor ate at Sam’s Riverside in London W6. Interested in a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the scenario of a stranger staring on a blind date with clear and concise answers
General Beginner Questions
Q What does this situation even mean
A It typically means a person at a nearby table is showing a noticeable and sustained interest in you and your date often out of curiosity attraction or boredom
Q Is it considered rude for someone to stare like that
A Generally yes Prolonged staring can make people feel uncomfortable and is often seen as a breach of social etiquette
Q Why would I even consider inviting a stranger to join
A You might be feeling playful want to break an awkward moment on your date or are genuinely curious about why theyre so interested
Q Whats the biggest risk of inviting them over
A The biggest risk is making your actual date feel uncomfortable ignored or that the evening is no longer about the two of you connecting
Practical Advice HowTo Questions
Q How can I tell if the person is staring in a friendly vs a creepy way
A Look for nonverbal cues A friendly look might include a slight smile or curious expression A creepy stare is often intense unblinking and lacks any friendly acknowledgment
Q Whats a smooth way to handle this without inviting them over
A You can make a lighthearted joke to your date about having an audience which acknowledges the situation and lets you both laugh it off together
Q If I really want to engage whats a safe first move
A Instead of a full invitation you could simply make eye contact give a small polite smile or nod and see how they react This opens the door without committing
Q How should I check with my date before doing anything
A Quietly and discreetly Lean in and say something like That guy keeps looking over here Should we see whats up or just ignore it Their reaction will guide you
Advanced ScenarioBased Questions
Q What if the person staring is someone my date knows
A This is a common reason for staring Your date might recognize them A simple Do you know that person can clear things up instantly
Q Could this be a potential safety concern
A While
