Jonathan on Katie
What were you hoping for?
To meet someone outside my usual circle, have an interesting chat, and see what happens.
First impressions?
She seemed really cheerful, which was great. I was also immediately curious about her tattoos.
What did you talk about?
Environmental activism, Project Hail Mary and whether the book or film is better, and the best bridge in London.
Most awkward moment?
I never quite know what to do when meeting someone new, so I fumbled a bit between a hug and a handshake.
Good table manners?
Yes, great. I was glad she agrees that napkins belong on your lap.
Best thing about Katie?
Her sunny personality and the happiness she gives off. I also like how passionate she is about her work.
Would you introduce Katie to your friends?
Yes. They’d enjoy talking to her about environmental policy and her job.
Describe Katie in three words
Happy, passionate, inquisitive.
What do you think Katie made of you?
I think she liked me and enjoyed our conversation, though we both felt the age difference a little when talking about our lives.
Did you go on somewhere?
We went for a short walk.
And … did you kiss?
No.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
I would have liked to be more relaxed, but everything else was lovely.
Marks out of 10?
I don’t put numbers on people, so just for the evening, an 8.
Would you meet again?
Definitely, but as friends. I think we agreed we’re in too different stages of life for anything more.
—
Katie on Jonathan
What were you hoping for?
To meet someone new, have a great evening, get a good story out of it, and see where things go.
First impressions?
Friendly, chatty, well-dressed, and he arrived exactly on time.
What did you talk about?
Cycling in the Netherlands, sci-fi, the rise of the far right, and our hobbies.
Most awkward moment?
Neither of us was used to such fancy restaurants, but the staff were very kind.
Good table manners?
Absolutely.
Best thing about Jonathan?
He seemed kind, passionate about his studies, and very genuine.
Would you introduce Jonathan to your friends?
Possibly, though I’m not sure how much they’d have in common.
Describe Jonathan in three words
Interesting, friendly, kind.
What do you think Jonathan made of you?
I think he enjoyed the conversation and found me interesting. He said I seemed happy and passionate, which I think he liked.
Did you go on somewhere?
We went for a short walk.
And … did you kiss?
No.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
Maybe a bit more time to relax into the conversation, but overall it was lovely.
Marks out of 10?
I’d give the evening an 8.
Would you meet again?
Yes, but as friends. We’re in different places in life, and I think we both felt that.Than made of you?
I hope my nerves didn’t get the better of me, and that the handshake I went for at the start wasn’t too much of a red flag.
Did you go anywhere afterward?
Just a walk on the way to the station.
And… did you kiss?
No, I didn’t feel a romantic spark.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
He was lovely, but we’re at different stages in life, and I felt a bit old for him.
Marks out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
Maybe in five years, if we were in more similar places in life.
Katie and Jonathan ate at Town House at The Kensington, London SW7. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the nervous thought I hope my handshake wasnt a bad sign
BeginnerLevel Questions
Q What does it mean when I think I hope my handshake wasnt a bad sign
A It usually means you are worried that your first impression was negative You might feel your handshake was too weak too sweaty or too aggressive and youre afraid the other person judged you for it
Q Is a bad handshake really a big deal on a blind date
A It can be a minor factor but its rarely a dealbreaker People usually remember your overall vibe smile and conversation more than the exact pressure of your grip
Q What makes a handshake feel bad on a date
A Common bad signs include a limp or dead fish handshake a bonecrushing grip a sweaty palm or a quick awkward release
Q What is a good handshake for a blind date
A A good one is firm dry lasts about 23 seconds includes eye contact and ends with a natural smile
Advanced Practical Questions
Q If my handshake was sweaty does that mean I ruined the date before it started
A No Sweaty palms are often a sign of nerves which is completely normal on a blind date Most people understand this You can even lighten the mood by saying Sorry nervous excitement This usually makes you seem more human and relatable
Q I have naturally cold or clammy hands How can I avoid this problem
A Before the date wash your hands with cold water and dry them thoroughly You can also keep a small handkerchief or napkin in your pocket to discreetly dry your palm right before you meet
Q Can a handshake actually predict if the date will go well
A Not really While a confident handshake can help its just one second of a multihour date The conversation chemistry and shared laughter matter far more than the initial grip
