About the Blind Date Column:
Blind Date is a weekly dating feature in the Saturday magazine and online at theguardian.com. Every week, we pair two strangers for dinner and drinks. Afterwards, they answer a set of questions about their experience, and we publish their responses along with a photo we take before the date. This column has been running since 2009.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What questions will I be asked?
We ask about your age, location, job, hobbies, interests, and the type of person you’d like to meet. If you have something else you’d like to share, just let us know.
Can I choose who I match with?
No, it’s a blind date! However, we do ask about your interests and preferences to help us make the best possible match.
Can I pick the photograph?
No, but we will choose the nicest ones from the photos we take.
What personal details will appear?
We publish your first name, job, and age.
How should I answer the questions?
Be honest and respectful. Remember that your answers will be read by your date and a large audience online and in print.
Will I see the other person’s answers?
No. We may edit both your answers and theirs for length or clarity, and we might ask for more details.
Will you find me The One?
We’ll certainly try!
Can I do it in my home town?
Yes, if you live in the UK. While many applicants are from London, we welcome people from all over the country.
How to apply?
Email us at blind.date@theguardian.com.
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### Daniel on Isla
What were you hoping for?
A new experience and the chance to meet someone the Guardian thought I’d get along with.
First impressions?
She was very smiley and chatty!
What did you talk about?
Our jobs, what brought us to London, the differences between British and Australian humour (Isla is Australian), and our shared love of tiramisu.
Most awkward moment?
I was sweating quite a lot for the first five minutes.
Good table manners?
Table manners went out the window when we started cooking our own hotpot.
Best thing about Isla?
She was very easy to get along with.
Would you introduce Isla to your friends?
Yes, it’d make for a good night at the pub.
Describe Isla in three words.
Bright, cheerful, and confident.
What do you think Isla made of you?
I’m not sure, but I hope she had a nice time.
Did you go on somewhere?
We didn’t, but we travelled part of the way home together.
And … did you kiss?
No kiss, but we had a nice hug when the train got to my stop.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
That it wasn’t on a Monday, especially since we’d both had very busy weekends.
Marks out of 10?
7.5.
Would you meet again?
Yes, we plan to go for a drink once this article comes out.
—
### Isla on Daniel
What were you hoping for?
To meet the love of my life. Failing that, a great dinner party story.
First impressions?
Daniel struck me as very warm and approachable. I felt comfortable the minute I sat down. He has lovely eyes!
What did you talk about?
Our shared love of tiramisu, cult British and Australian comedy shows, lido swimming, and our side gigs (Daniel runs pub quizzes, and I DJ).
Most awkward moment?
I wouldn’t say there was one.
Good table manners?
We agreed that table manners don’t apply when eating hotpot – they give you aprons for a reason!
Best thing about Daniel?
He’s very easy to talk to and community-minded, helping people in need through his work.
Would you introduce Daniel to your friends?
Yes, definitely.
Describe Daniel in three words.
Friendly, humble, hardworking.
What do you think Daniel made of you?
I’d guess chatty and … a good appetite?
Did you go on somewhere?
If the restaurant staff’s reaction is anything to go by, they were gleeful when we told them we were going on somewhere.Did you take the train home? Yes. And… did you kiss?
A lady never tells. If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
Maybe not meeting on a Monday—we were both tired from busy weekends. Marks out of 10?
8, I had a very pleasant time. Would you meet again?
Sure, even just to chat over a pint about the craziness of sharing our first date with the nation. Daniel and Isla dined at Da Long Yi Hotpot in London W1. Interested in a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and concise FAQs about the experience of having an extremely nervewracking first five minutes on a blind date
Beginner General Questions
Q1 What does it mean to be sweating buckets on a blind date
A Its a common expression for feeling extremely nervous anxious or stressed You might literally sweat feel your heart race or have trouble thinking clearly
Q2 Is it normal to feel this nervous at the start of a blind date
A Absolutely Its very common Youre meeting a stranger with potential romantic stakes so a bit of nervous energy is completely normal
Q3 What are the main reasons someone might feel this anxious
A Common reasons include fear of awkward silence pressure to make a good impression worrying about being judged or simply the unpredictability of meeting someone new
Q4 What are some obvious signs that my date is also nervous
A Look for similar cues fidgeting avoiding eye contact talking too fast or too much laughing nervously or giving short clipped answers
ProblemSolving Practical Tips
Q5 Whats the first thing I should do if I start feeling overwhelmed
A Take a deep breath and focus on a simple physical action like taking a sip of your drink or adjusting your posture This can ground you in the moment
Q6 What are some good conversation starters to break the ice
A Stick to light openended questions How was your day What do you enjoy doing in your free time or Have you been to this place before are great starters
Q7 How can I calm my nerves before the date even starts
A Try listening to your favorite music on the way there plan your outfit in advance and remind yourself that the goal is just to have a conversation not to find a soulmate in five minutes
Q8 What if theres an awkward silence
A Dont panic A brief silence is okay You can comment on the environment or ask a followup question about something they already mentioned
Advanced Deeper Questions
