Relationship

Blind date: ‘He ate his burger with a knife and fork’



Ethan on Ivan

Ivan

What were you hoping for?
Someone I could enjoy a meal and good conversation with, and maybe a second date.

First impressions?
He was on time and waiting at the table. He had a big, beaming face with a nice smile and a chatty mouth.

What did you talk about?
Living in London, because he is from America. Family, travelling, work and gay dating. Free Britney.

Any awkward moments?
I knocked over my drink the second it was brought. We were about to go cheers and it slipped out of my hand and spilled across the table towards Ethan. Luckily, he stood up just in time.

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Good table manners?
Yes. Tacos and burgers were eaten so there were messy fingers but that’s OK.

Best thing about Ethan?
He was very talkative and I was happy to listen. I am normally the chatty one.

Would you introduce him to your friends?
I would.

Describe Ethan in three words
Vibrant. Chatty. Optimistic.

What do you think he made of you?
That I am a nice, friendly guy.

Q&A

Want to be in 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

Thank you for your feedback.

Did you go on somewhere?
No, it was lashing down so we both walked back to the tube in a rush.

If it weren’t for physical distancing, would you have kissed?
No.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
More food.

Marks out of 10?
6.5.

Would you meet again?
As friends.

Ethan, left and Ivan on their date
Ethan, left and Ivan on their date

Ivan on Ethan

Ethan

What were you hoping for?
A new experience. I’d never been on a blind date before.

First impressions?
He was tall and really sweet.

What did you talk about?
Cultural differences: both between us – he’s from Galway and I’m from Washington DC – and between the UK, Irish and US LGBTQ+ communities.

Any awkward moments?
There was a spilled drink within the first 15 minutes. Shit happens – the only thing to do was laugh.

Good table manners?
He ate his burger with a knife and fork. Would I call it good manners? Yes.

Best thing about Ivan?
He’s a genuine guy and an open book.

Would you introduce him to your friends?
Yes, my friends would like him.

Describe Ivan in three words
Confident, chatty and resolute.

What do you think he made of you?
I honestly have no idea.

Did you go on somewhere?
Only to the station – it was pouring.

If it weren’t for physical distancing, would you have kissed?
He made it clear up front that the first date isn’t for kissing.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
My outfit. I stayed at work late, so ran out to buy a shirt for the date, but it was too big, so I had to wear my work shirt.

Marks out of 10?
6.5.

Would you meet again?
Yes, as a catch-up as friends.



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