Tandeka on Eamon
What were you hoping for?
A fun evening with someone I may not have otherwise met.
First impressions?
So friendly – by the time I got there he was already best mates with the restaurant manager and when we left, multiple waiters came to say goodbye.
What did you talk about?
Swimming in ponds; how long it takes to make pasta from scratch (too long); teaching black history in schools; family dynamics and relationships; recent books read; terrible wedding speeches; his future best man speech.
Any awkward moments?
If there were, I was happily oblivious.
Good table manners?
Definitely. We were accidentally served three glasses of prosecco on arrival instead of two, and he poured out the third between our glasses very neatly and fairly.
Best thing about Eamon?
I think he was being himself the whole time, not putting up a front or showing off (which he wouldn’t need to do, because he’s great).
Would you introduce him to your friends?
Yes. He seems like the type of person who would get along with anyone.
Describe Eamon in three words
Caring, hardworking, funny.
What do you think he made of you?
Easily entertained, distracted by singing and birthday sparklers at other tables.
Did you go on somewhere?
To a bar around the corner for another drink.
And… did you kiss?
We didn’t. I’m too shy to kiss anyone on the first date. Don’t @ me.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
I should have asked for sparklers at our table, too.
Marks out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
I’m not 100% there was a romantic spark, but I’d definitely meet up again, I really enjoyed his company.
Q&A
Want to be in Blind date?
Show
Blind date is Guardian Weekend magazine’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 Guardian Weekend 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
Eamon on Tandeka
First impressions?
Smiles all round!
What did you talk about?
Her superior knowledge of books compared with my limited knowledge of books, music and why south London is better than east.
Any awkward moments?
Only the guilt of failing to put a dent in the complimentary basket of bread. I felt compelled to have a slice alongside the pizza.
Good table manners?
Well, neither of us spilt anything over us, so based on that, I’d say yes.
Best thing about Tandeka?
Her nature. I got the impression she was a lot more than merely book smart and was genuinely interested in what you had to say. She’s very disarming and among the most genuine people I’ve met.
Would you introduce her to your friends?
Yeah, but whether she’d want to meet them is a different story.
Describe Tandeka in three words
Intelligent, unpretentious, unassuming.
What do you think she made of you?
Good company/an amiable urban gentleman.
Did you go on somewhere?
We had one for the road.
And… did you kiss?
Not on a school night.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
One more margarita.
Marks out of 10?
7.5.
Would you meet again?
I had a good time and the conversation was for the most part easy, though I don’t think our relationship would move further than that.
Tandeka and Eamon ate at Crazy Pizza, London W1
Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
