Artemis on Sienna
What were you hoping for?
Honestly, to be proposed to.
First impressions?
Terror – she claimed we had matched on a dating app before.
What did you talk about?
We spoke about a range of topics, but I can say that Sienna is not as zealous about trying grilled human meat as I am.
Any awkward moments?
Sienna didn’t finish her croquette. It wasn’t an awkward moment, but I really wanted the little leftover ham chunks and never asked for them.
Good table manners?
I’ve never seen someone wield a knife and fork like that before. Sienna is the Zoro [anime character who is a masterful swordsman] of table etiquette.
Best thing about Sienna?
She is attentive, and incredibly fun to talk to.
Would you introduce her to your friends?
For sure.
Describe Sienna in three words
Introspective, pretty, octagonal.
What do you think she made of you?
That I’m super-duper charming.
Did you go on somewhere?
Nope but we did have cookies and marshmallows for dessert.
And … did you kiss?
No – I think it was the caramelised onions that I ate.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
We probably should have ordered a more expensive bottle of complimentary wine.
Marks out of 10?
She laughed at my jokes, so 10.
Would you meet again?
I would be down.
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
Sienna on Artemis
What were you hoping for?
Fun and a departure from the everyday (and from my nascent ear woes from listening to loud music).
First impressions?
He was self-assured, relaxed and a confident orderer.
What did you talk about?
DNA tests. Monogamy v polyamory. Parents. Therapy. Dancing. The paradox of choice. Books. Ear health.
Any awkward moments?
I persuaded him to read his poetry aloud just as the waiter came over to set up a grill on the table. He got more of an audience than he bargained for.
Good table manners?
Yes, beautiful. His white top stayed white despite gruelling grilling.
Best thing about Artemis?
He was a great listener. He showed enthusiasm for everything I said, even if I interrupted him.
Would you introduce him to your friends?
Some of them for sure.
Describe Artemis in three words
Elegant, thoughtful, curious.
What do you think he made of you?
A pleasing person to sit opposite while he tried his first s’more [American-style chocolate-marshmallow-cracker snack] and drank wine we would usually not be able to afford.
Did you go on somewhere?
No, but it was midnight on a Wednesday. We got the tube together.
And … did you kiss?
No, we just hugged. That felt fitting.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Not to be fretting about my ears.
Marks out of 10?
A great 8.
Would you meet again?
Yeah, for sure, probably as friends.
Artemis and Sienna ate at Parrillan, London N1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
