Blind date: ‘We were chatting as soon as we sat down’
Jacob, 27, a volunteer manager, meets Sophie, 28, a journalist
Jacob on Sophie
What were you hoping for?
To meet someone who I could connect with and possibly go on further dates.
First impressions?
Sophie was very nice and upbeat.
What did you talk about?
Our conversation went all over the place, from both of us having connections to the US to her organising standup comedy nights.
Most awkward moment?
There were a couple of moments where the conversation stalled, but overall it flowed nicely.
Good table manners?
Yes.
Best thing about Sophie?
She was very funny and had me laughing out loud.
Would you introduce Sophie to your friends?
I don’t think we are at that stage.
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
Describe Sophie in three words
Kind, authentic, humorous.
What do you think Sophie made of you?
I have no idea but I hope she enjoyed our conversation.
Did you go on somewhere?
No.
And … did you kiss?
No.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I would have not arrived 15 minutes early. Multiple readings of a menu that I had already looked at online could have been avoided.
Marks out of 10?
7. She was a lovely person and I really enjoyed my time with her.
Would you meet again?
I enjoyed the evening but if we were to meet up again, it would be as friends.
Sophie on Jacob
What were you hoping for?
To meet someone interesting, kind and fun.
First impressions?
Super easy to talk to from the get-go. We were chatting as soon as we sat down.
What did you talk about?
Why neither of us lives in the US any more. Being “Jew-ish”. How Londoners get a bad reputation (the city is more inviting than people think).
Most awkward moment?
Probably when we were leaving. I had to go on elsewhere, so we parted ways a bit abruptly.
Good table manners?
Very.
Best thing about Jacob?
He is really kind and genuine. He cares a lot about doing good in the world, and I find it admirable that he moved to London on somewhat of a whim.
Would you introduce Jacob to your friends?
He’s travelled a lot, so his geographic knowledge could come in handy at a pub quiz.
Describe Jacob in three words
Friendly, kind, open.
What do you think Jacob made of you?
Hopefully he thought I was funny!
Did you go on somewhere?
No, unfortunately we were going in different directions.
And … did you kiss?
Just a hug.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
If I hadn’t made plans, we could have chatted for a little longer, or at least walked to the tube together.
Marks out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
As friends.
Jacob and Sophie ate at Galvin Bistrot and Bar, London E1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com