View image in fullscreenMiklos on Minnie
What were you hoping for?
To step outside my comfort zone. To meet the love of my life.
First impressions?
Confident, and just as unsure as I was about how to start a blind date.
What did you talk about?
The best time frame for planning your life ahead – we went back and forth between one and 10 years. After that, I’m embarrassed to admit, lots of K-pop.
Most awkward moment?
On my way to the loo I accidentally stepped on a dog. I felt terrible, but Minnie assured me it was fine.
Good table manners?
The food was so intimidatingly delicious that it forced the best table manners out of us. Hers were almost too good, I’d say.
Best thing about Minnie?
She’s from the best part of town (in my opinion) and it shows. She is completely herself.
Would you introduce Minnie to your friends?
They love a bottle of wine. She loves a bottle of wine. There’s nothing more to say.
Q&A
Fancy 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 don’t 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
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Describe Minnie in three words
Talkative. Fuzzy. Edgy.
What do you think Minnie made of you?
I think she saw me quite accurately: nerdy, but willing to push boundaries and have some fun.
Did you go on somewhere?
We did not.
And … did you kiss?
No kissing was had.
If you could change one thing about the date, what would it be?
I wish I hadn’t stepped on that dog – that’s it really.
Marks out of 10?
9.
Would you meet again?
By the end of the date, it was clear to both of us that we were missing a romantic spark … That’s life!
View image in fullscreenMiklos and Minnie on their date
View image in fullscreenMinnie on Miklos
What were you hoping for?
A fun evening.
First impressions?
Very lovely guy, good vibes. I was a tad late and he was super understanding. He also noted that he often goes by Mickey, which is pretty funny.
What did you talk about?
Travel. Studies. Controversial opinions on music concerts. Katseye (sorry, Miklos).
Most awkward moment?
Neither of us could figure out the menu.
Good table manners?
Yes, very polite.
Best thing about Miklos?
He is super different from me. It was nice chatting with someone who has lived such a different life.
Would you introduce Miklos to your friends?
Hypothetically yes, but only as a friend.
Blind date: ‘Bizarrely, she suddenly realised she knew my daughter’
Read more
Describe Miklos in three words
Intelligent, chatty, inquisitive.
What do you think Miklos made of you?
That I was easy to talk to.
Did you goSomewhere?
No, just headed home.
And… did you kiss?
A couple of hugs, but it wasn’t the right vibe for a kiss.
If you could change one thing about the date, what would it be?
We both said we would have liked to be in a different part of town, by the canal (the restaurant was lovely though).
Marks out of 10?
7.
Would you meet again?
Probably not, but no hard feelings.
Miklos and Minnie ate at the Bull and Last, London NW5. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs based on the premise of a blind date where an accidental dogstepping incident occurs framed as a social scenario
Beginner Questions
What does blind date mean
A blind date is a meeting between two people who have never met before usually arranged by a friend or family member with the hope of a romantic connection
What happened in this specific blind date scenario
During the date one person accidentally stepped on a dog The person was very worried about it but their date reassured them that it was fine
Why is stepping on a dog a big deal on a date
It can be embarrassing and make you look clumsy It can also upset the dog or its owner which creates awkwardness on a date
Is it bad if my date says its fine after I hurt their dog
Not necessarily It often means they are being polite or that the dog is truly okay However it can also mean they are hiding their true feelings to avoid conflict
What should I do right after I accidentally step on a dog
Apologize immediately and sincerely Ask if the dog is okay Do not make excuses or laugh it off
Intermediate Questions
How can I tell if my date is really okay with it or just being polite
Watch their body language If they are tense avoid eye contact or check the dog repeatedly they might still be upset If they smile continue the conversation and the dog seems relaxed they are likely fine
What are common problems that come up on a blind date
Awkward silences mismatched expectations physical clumsiness disagreeing on politics or values and one person talking too much
What is a good example of recovering from this mistake
Example I am so sorry I didnt see him there Is he okay I feel terrible Then after the date confirms the dog is fine you might say I owe him a treat next time to show you care
Should I offer to pay for vet bills if the dog yelps
Yes if the dog shows signs of injury Even if the owner says its fine offering to pay shows responsibility and good character
What if my date gets angry even though the dog is fine
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