Sonia on Stefan
What were you hoping for?
An enjoyable meal in pleasant company.
First impressions?
Friendly, relaxed, had hair – always a plus for me.
What did you talk about?
Our misspent youth – mine anyway. Our travels. Children. Dark skies. Walking. Films. Books. Gardening. Museums. We touched on politics, where our views seemed to align.
Most awkward moment?
Probably asking the waiter to take a photo of us, and then thinking that it wasn’t enough of a closeup!
Good table manners?
Impeccable, of course!
Best thing about Stefan?
He seemed interested in my life, and remembered things I’d said.
Q&A
Fancy a blind date?
Show
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 Stefan to your friends?
Yes, why not?
Describe Stefan in three words.
Interesting, interested, good company. (Can “good company” count as one?)
What do you think Stefan made of you?
He probably thought I complained about the rain too much.
Did you go on somewhere?
Yes, we visited the nearby Cartoon Museum, which was great fun. And then had another cup of coffee.
And … did you kiss?
No, but we hugged.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
I wouldn’t have met in the afternoon. An evening date would have been preferable – I would have drunk alcohol for a start!
Marks out of 10?
9.5. I hope he doesn’t give me a lower score – I’d feel a bit foolish.
Would you meet again?
We exchanged numbers. So very possibly.
after newsletter promotion
Stefan on Sonia
What were you hoping for?
At our age we have less confidence when it comes to dating, so it takes a brave personality to take a chance where the outcome will be published.
First impressions?
I was greeted with a very warm smile. A good start.
What did you talk about?
Film. Books. Gaza. Family. Doing the hippy trail to India (her). The joys of stargazing in Regent’s Park. We also talked about Sonia’s work volunteering at a museum I know well.
Most awkward moment?
Heading for the tube and me going confidently in the wrong direction.
Good table manners?
Hers: impeccable. Mine: hopefully didn’t make too much of a mess with the tapas.
Best thing about Sonia?
Always interested and interesting.
Would you introduce Sonia to friends?
Definitely.
Describe Sonia in three words.
Warm, confident, open.
What do you think Sonia made of you?
She asked for my phone number, just as I was about to ask for hers, so …
Did you go on somewhere?
The Cartoon Museum. Brilliant.
And … did you kiss?
In public? Heavens, no, we’re British! But we did have a warm goodbye hug.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
For the Guardian to have arranged better weather (it poured all day).
Marks out of 10?
Easily 9+.
Would you meet again?
I’d love to.
Sonia and Stefan ate at Bellazul, London W1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
