Blind date: ‘There was a mature, polite peck on departure at a busy Manchester Piccadilly station’
Susan, 74, a retired careers adviser, meets Pete, 72, a retired Methodist minister
Susan on Pete
What were you hoping for?
A relaxed, friendly lunch with good and fun conversation.
First impressions
Pete was immediately welcoming and relaxed. I felt at ease pretty quickly.
What did you talk about?
An awful lot! Our optimism around our new PM. There was a good deal of common ground, including that I had twins, while he was a twin, and we both fall asleep at night listening to Radio 4 podcasts!
Most awkward moment?
There weren’t really any, except perhaps my revelation that I didn’t eat red meat … but that didn’t prove to be a problem.
Good table manners?
Impeccable.
Best thing about Pete?
His obvious kindness and sociability. His clear ability to have put his thoughts and beliefs into positive, meaningful action.
Describe Pete in three words?
Humanitarian, genuine, interesting.
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 do not 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
Would you introduce Pete to your friends?
No reason why not – but to be honest, my family would be more important. He is very easy to get on with.
What do you think Pete made of you?
Well, I guess I will find that out here!
Did you go on somewhere?
No.
And … did you kiss?
A mature, polite peck on departure at a busy Manchester Piccadilly station.
If you could change one thing about the afternoon what would it be?
There were areas of conversation I would have liked to have gone a bit deeper, but it didn’t seem the occasion to do so.
Marks out of 10?
For a lunchtime out in excellent company and meeting my hopes, a very strong 8.
Would you meet again?
We exchanged numbers but there was no romantic spark … and I think my agnosticism would be a sticking point.
Pete on Susan
What were you hoping for?
At the least, an interesting afternoon … possibly more.
First impressions?
Susan has a lovely smile.
What did you talk about?
What didn’t we talk about? Walking in the Peak District. Running half marathons. Family. A little about religion. The Labour party. Sailing. Cancer … the time went so quickly.
Most awkward moment?
Perhaps after getting the menu and noting that Susan is pescatarian.
Good table manners?
Very. We shared most of the lovely dishes brought for us.
Best thing about Susan?
She is very easy to talk with.
Describe Susan in three words?
Fascinating, attractive, lovely.
Would you introduce Susan to your friends?
Yes. She would get on well.
What do you think Susan made of you?
Someone who has travelled a lot – and perhaps talks too much.
Did you go on somewhere?
Only a walk back to the railway station together.
And … did you kiss?
No. There was no spark of that kind.
If you could change one thing about the afternoon what would it be?
Not much. I had excellent company and great food. We were the last to leave the restaurant.
Marks out of 10?
8.5.
Would you meet again?
If I were in the areas of the Peak District we both know and love, we might go for a walk.
Susan and Pete ate at Stow in Manchester. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com