Kris on Nicki
What were you hoping for?
It was something new for me, so I went in with an open mind.
First impressions?
Nicki was happy and smiling from the get-go, which made it super easy to get the conversation rolling.
What did you talk about?
Our careers, the state of the world, how Clapham seems like another country to us Hackney folk.
Any awkward moments?
I think both of us converse with enough people in our jobs that there’s always something to be said.
Good table manners?
We didn’t eat. I’ve never eaten on a Zoom call and I absolutely do not intend to start.
How long did you stay on the call?
Around 45-50 minutes.
Best thing about Nicki?
I could tell she really cares about people. It’s not easy to find real empathy but I know it when I see it.
Would you introduce her to your friends?
I don’t think our friendship groups would ever naturally come together under normal circumstances.
Describe Nicki in three words
Fun, caring, driven.
What do you think she made of you?
I don’t think I’m qualified to answer that one, so I’ll leave it up to her.
Any connection issues?
Lots of screen freezing and delayed audio, but it’s to be expected. We’re calling it the new normal, right?
And… did you swap numbers?
We did not.
How did the call end?
We answered the classic “What’s your dream dog?” question and left it at that.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
It would have been lovely to sit in a pub. It’s much easier to read the other person when you’re face to face. I’m sure we would have talked for longer in the real world.
Marks out of 10?
10. It may not have been a match, but Nicki is a wonderful person who deserves all the success in the world.
Would you meet again?
As friends, yes. I’m leaving London for the coast but I always have time for a pint with a good human.
Q&A
Want to be in Blind date?
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
Nicki on Kris
What were you hoping for?
A laugh and potentially someone to go for a drink with post-lockdown.
First impressions?
Not my usual type. I feel like he maybe could have brushed his hair.
What did you talk about?
Cornet playing, Emily In Paris, what the Ritz smells like.
Any awkward moments?
Many.
Good table manners?
I wouldn’t know.
How long did you stay on the call?
Kris clocked off after about 75 minutes.
Best thing about Kris?
His enthusiasm for dogs and living by the sea.
Would you introduce him to your friends?
No, I don’t think they’d have much to talk about, I’m afraid.
Describe Kris in three words
Better suited elsewhere.
What do you think he made of you?
He probably thinks I’m incredibly dull.
Any connection issues?
I think it’s fair to say there was more than one connection issue.
And… did you swap numbers?
Noooo.
How did the call end?
Quite abruptly, with an excuse from Kris I didn’t quite catch, but I decided not to humiliate myself further by asking him to repeat it.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
Nothing; it ended with my best mate and me tucked up with a McFlurry each, in bed watching Netflix.
Marks out of 10?
4 for the date.
Would you meet again?
Not intentionally.
