Ariel on Alex
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What were you hoping for?
I was looking forward to meeting someone who I might never have crossed paths with normally.
First impressions?
Alex has a charming smile, warm voice and overall a very calm aura.
What did you talk about?
What has stuck in my mind is Cornish gig rowing, cooking, Rory Stewart and walking in the Balkans.
Most awkward moment?
At one point I misunderstand a question and my answer gave the impression that I very confidently thought that Cornwall was up north …
Good table manners?
Absolutely. I was worried tapas might be tricky with a stranger but it worked.
Best thing about Alex?
Alex seems to really think about and appreciate the small things in life, which is something I’d like to do more of. Also, his voice! It’s super smooth – he should totally consider narrating meditation tapes.
Would you introduce Alex to your friends?
I think he’d fit right in with my outdoorsy climbing friends.
Describe Alex in three words.
Thoughtful, kind, down-to-earth.
Fancy a blind date?
ShowBlind 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
What do you think Alex made of you?
That I’m much worse at geography than I actually am.
Did you go on somewhere?
No.
And … did you kiss?
Nope.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
I think all that was missing was a little bit more energy – perhaps I should’ve necked an espresso beforehand.
Marks out of 10?
7.5.
Would you meet again?
I don’t think so. There just wasn’t much chemistry between us.
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Alex on Ariel
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What were you hoping for?
An evening of great food and the chance to meet someone new.
First impressions?
She was a little quiet at first but relaxed as the evening went on.
What did you talk about?
Travelling. Baking. Living abroad. Books. Our love of Northumberland.
Most awkward moment?
I was a bit shocked to learn she had never eaten a prawn before. A prawn!
Good table manners?
Couldn’t fault them. She suggested we share desserts, which was fabulous.
Best thing about Ariel?
Her desire to hike around the UK coastline. That would be a pretty amazing thing to do.
Would you introduce Ariel to your friends?
I would.
Describe Ariel in three words.
Kind, smiley, quiet.
What do you think Ariel made of you?
I do wonder if I did too much talking – and shouldn’t have encouraged her to have the prawns.
Did you go on somewhere?
Only our separate ways.
And … did you kiss?
Nope.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
Ordered another round of patatas bravas – I haven’t stopped thinking about them.
Marks out of 10?
7.
Would you meet again?
Unfortunately, no. There wasn’t a spark, but I hope Ariel finds someone who makes her happy.
Ariel and Alex ate at Barrafina Adelaide Street, London WC2. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
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