Johnny on Gen
What were you hoping for?
A pleasant evening and maybe the beginning of a new friendship or romance.
First impressions?
Pretty, intelligent, easy to be with.
What did you talk about?
Our times at university, living in cold and dirty student houses (truly magical), the purpose of the jury in criminal trials. I worry I may have talked a little too much.
Any awkward moments?
I did use the expression “man” a lot, as in, “No way, man!” which is strange considering Gen is not a man.
Good table manners?
Yes.
Best thing about Gen?
She was totally authentic and genuine, not interested in presenting any sort of image of herself. I think that’s really special.
Would you introduce her to your friends?
Of course.
Describe Gen in three words
Not a man!
What do you think she made of you?
I hope something loosely along the lines of “not a complete tosser”.
Did you go on somewhere?
We didn’t. It was raining and it felt like our evening had reached its natural conclusion.
And… did you kiss?
No. I don’t think either of us felt such feelings towards one another, and that’s all right.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
Asking the restaurant if they had non-alcoholic cocktails. I don’t drink.
Marks out of 10?
8. Although I don’t necessarily see any friendship or romance blossoming out of the evening, I think she’s a great woman.
Would you meet again?
I’d like to, but I sense we probably won’t.
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
Gen on Johnny
What were you hoping for?
An excuse not to cook dinner.
First impressions?
Long hair, short trousers.
What did you talk about?
All the classics – university, books, films, the Crusades.
Any awkward moments?
I was mid-prosecco swig when he told me he didn’t drink.
Good table manners?
Perfect – he honourably ate his burger with a knife and fork.
Best thing about Johnny?
His London museum recommendations.
Would you introduce him to your friends?
I think they might eat him alive.
Describe Johnny in three words
Inquisitive, open, polite.
What do you think he made of you?
A vegetarian who knows disappointingly little about art.
Did you go on somewhere?
The bus stop.
And… did you kiss?
No.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
I would have had a second (or third) cocktail.
Marks out of 10?
6.
Would you meet again?
Probably not.
Johnny and Gen ate at Le Bab Soho, London W1
Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
