Joe on Mabyn
What were you hoping for?
To have a nice time and learn something new.
First impressions?
She had a bright personality.
What did you talk about?
Her getting mugged the day before! Her elvish tattoo, which led us into talking about The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and her love for dinosaurs. And how her sister ran away to join the circus.
Most awkward moment?
The selfie at the end of the night—neither of us really likes taking selfies.
Good table manners?
We both played it safe with what we ordered, but I’d say yes.
Best thing about Mabyn?
Her sunny disposition, nerdiness, and ability to look on the bright side of life. Also, the fact she printed out a map and brought a little black book with her friends’ numbers and directions to the date because of the phone-snatcher.
Would you introduce Mabyn to your friends?
I can’t think of a reason why not.
Q&A
Fancy a blind date?
Blind Date is Saturday’s dating column: every week, two strangers are paired up for dinner and drinks, and then they tell us all about it by answering a set of questions. This runs with a photo we take of each person 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 your age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests, and the type of person you’re looking to meet. If you feel these questions don’t cover everything, just let us know what else is on your mind.
Can I choose who I match with?
No, it’s a blind date! But we do ask about your interests and preferences—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. Keep in mind how it will sound to your date, and remember that Blind Date reaches a large audience both in print and online.
Will I see the other person’s answers?
No. We may edit both your answers and theirs for reasons like length, and we might ask you for more details.
Will you find me The One?
We’ll try! Marriage! Babies!
Can I do it in my hometown?
Only if it’s in the UK. Many of our applicants live in London, but we’d love to hear from people living elsewhere too.
How to apply
Email blind.date@theguardian.com
Was this helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Describe Mabyn in three words
Chatty, funny, and well-dressed.
What do you think Mabyn made of you?
I’m guessing she’d say I’m nerdy too—and a talker.
Did you go on somewhere?
She had a wedding to get to! Her friends were getting married in Las Vegas, and she had to rush off to join the Zoom call.
And… did you kiss?
She had to dash, so it was just a quick hug.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
More margaritas.
Marks out of 10?
10—she’s a lovely person, very honest, and has a passion for so many things.
Would you meet again?
Yes, I’d be interested to hear more of her crazy stories, nerdy theories, and why she thinks she can beat me at Mario Kart.Mabyn and Joe on their date near St. Paul’s Cathedral
What were you hoping for?
A hot man and a hot dinner.
First impressions?
I liked his blue nails and cool tattoos. The Star Wars ones were a good sign we’d get along.
What did you talk about?
His cat, Freya (who he calls his daughter), our mutual dislike of skinny jeans, Hinge vs. Feeld, my phone getting stolen, and dinosaurs.
Most awkward moment?
When I freaked him out by knowing his mum’s name—he’d mentioned it earlier but forgot he had.
Good table manners?
Not a single crumb in his moustache.
Best thing about Joe?
He didn’t think it was weird that I used a homemade treasure map to get to the date.
Would you introduce Joe to your friends?
Yeah, I think he’d fit in.
Describe Joe in three words:
Cool, calm, interesting.
What do you think Joe made of you?
He said I wasn’t boring, so that’s a win. I have no idea if he fancied me though—no flirting or compliments. It felt like hanging out with a friend.
Did you go on somewhere?
My friends were getting married in Vegas, so I had a midnight Zoom call to join.
And… did you kiss?
I had to dash for my train, so no time for a snog. I did wonder whether our very different lip sizes would be compatible.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
Nothing! Joe was a lovely person, and I enjoyed drinking cocktails under the watchful eye of St. Paul’s—what a view!
Marks out of 10?
7.5 for the cat dad.
Would you meet again?
We had good vibes. Whether it’s just as friends or something more remains to be seen.
Joe and Mabyn ate at Sabine Rooftop Bar, London EC4. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful FAQs based on that blind date scenario
FAQs The Treasure Map Blind Date
Beginner Questions
Q What does he wasnt fazed at all mean in this context
A It means he wasnt shocked surprised or thrown off by your unusual arrival He took it in stride and was completely cool with it
Q Why would someone use a treasure map for a blind date
A Its a creative and fun way to break the ice show off your personality and make a memorable first impression instead of a standard meeting
Q Isnt that a bit weird or risky for a first date
A It can be which is why his positive reaction is so notable Its a gamble that shows youre playful but it works best if you have a sense the other person would appreciate the humor
Advanced Practical Questions
Q What does his reaction say about his personality
A It suggests he is confident has a good sense of humor is adaptable and likely values creativity and spontaneity over strict convention Hes probably a very easygoing person
Q What are the benefits of doing something this unconventional on a date
A The main benefits are
Instant Icebreaker It immediately creates a shared funny story
Personality Filter It quickly shows if your senses of humor and adventure are compatible
Memorability You will absolutely stand out from anyone else theyve dated
Q What are some common problems or risks with this approach
A
It could backfire The other person might find it confusing childish or a sign youre not serious
Logistical issues They might get lost or not understand the instructions
Safety concerns Always ensure the final destination is a safe public place
Q Can you give other examples of creative first date ideas like this
A Sure Similar ideas include
Sending them on a mini scavenger hunt with clues
Meeting at an interactive experience like an escape room or axe throwing
Having the first date be a playful competition like minigolf or arcade games
