Alexandrea on Pardis
What were you hoping for?
A fun date and hopefully to meet the one!
First impressions?
Handsome and relaxed.
What did you talk about?
The sports we do. Books. Family. Friends. Our jobs. Travelling and travel mishaps. Vermin infestations. Stocks and shares. ISAs.
Most awkward moment?
We both arrived at the restaurant on time but there was a big queue, which meant I sat at the table alone for about 10 minutes – I got a bit nervous.
Good table manners?
No faux pas, so all good.
Best thing about Pardis?
He is very sincere. He asked lots of questions, seemed interested in what I was saying and was a great listener. I also loved how laid-back he was – he went with the flow when I suggested the tasting menu.
Would you introduce Pardis to your friends?
Of course – he’s interesting and really good company.
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 spill the beans to us, answering a set of questions. It 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 Pardis in three words
Easygoing, kind, engaging.
What do you think Pardis made of you?
A ray of sunshine, akin to what everyone else thinks of me!
Did you go on somewhere?
No, but we did overstay our welcome at the restaurant, to the point where the waiters were shaking the cutlery drawer really loudly.
And … did you kiss?
A lady never tells … But no.
If you could change one thing about the date, what would it be?
I would have loved it to be in Paris. Pardis in Paris!
Marks out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
Pardis is a lovely guy but I think we’re better suited as friends.
Pardis and Alexandrea on their date.
Pardis on Alexandrea
What were you hoping for?
The scene in About Time where the protagonist meets Rachel McAdams in that dark dining restaurant. (I appreciate that isn’t quite the same concept as a blind date.)
First impressions?
I was a few places behind her in the queue to get into the restaurant. I could only see the back of her head but thought: nice hair, good fashion sense.
What did you talk about?
There was a healthy amount of chat about the life cycle of a fly and the declining quality of mousetraps. We’ve both had minor pest issues recently – a perk of living in London.
Most awkward moment?
Probably mistaking her Irish accent for a Scottish one. Not my finest hour.
Good table manners?
Excellent, a picture of sophistication.
Best thing about Alexandrea?
Very down to earth, clearly adventurous and a great dinner partyWould you introduce Alexandrea to your friends?
I wouldn’t put the poor girl through the trauma of meeting my rabble … Blind date: ‘He asked if my disco ball tattoo was an onion’ Read more. Describe Alexandrea in three words.
Adventurous, kind, intelligent. What did you think she made of you?
I think she enjoyed talking to me. Either that or she’s great at pretending to be entertained (or I’m completely oblivious). Did you go on somewhere?
No, I had early morning uncle duty the next day, so I had to call it a night. And … did you kiss?
No, just a good, wholesome hug. If you could change one thing about the date, what would it be?
I’d brush up on my accent recognition beforehand. Marks out of 10?
8 (for a friendship connection, otherwise it would have been higher). Would you meet again?
Sure, I’d be happy to meet as friends. Alexandrea and Pardis ate at Mildreds, London W1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Heres a set of FAQs based on the Blind date column We stayed too long the waiters were shaking the cutlery drawer really loudly
Beginner Questions
1 What is this article about
Its a Guardian Blind date column where two strangers meet for dinner and share how the evening went
2 What does blind date mean
A date where two people meet for the first time usually set up by someone else or an app without having met before
3 Who were the two people on the date
The column profiles two single people their ages jobs and what theyre looking for before describing the date itself
4 Why is the headline about waiters shaking the cutlery drawer
It means the couple stayed so long chatting that staff started loudly packing up cutlery to hint the restaurant was closing
5 Did the date go well
Youd need to read the ratings section at the end each dater scores the evening and says whether theyd meet again
6 What is the ratings section
A short wrapup where each person rates the date out of 10 and reveals if there was a second date
Intermediate Questions
7 Why do restaurants shake cutlery drawers or do other noisy cleanup
Its a polite indirect signal that its closing time and guests should wrap up avoiding an awkward direct request to leave
8 Is staying too long at a restaurant a bad sign on a date
Not necessarily It often means the conversation flowed well but it can also mean one person didnt know how to end things
9 What are common signs a date is going well
Losing track of time easy conversation laughing and both people wanting to keep talking after the meal
10 What are common signs a date is going poorly
Long silences checking phones oneword answers and relief when it ends
11 Why do blind date columns include job titles and hobbies
To give readers context and help them picture the match and because compatibility often hinges on lifestyle and interests
12 What practical tips help with a first blind date
Pick a casual timelimited setting prepare a few questions be on time and agree to split the bill beforehand
