Deborah on Mike
What were you hoping for?
A possibility â the most alluring word IÂ know.
First impressions?
Nice-looking, firm handshake. Heâd got us the best table, by the window.
What did you talk about?
Our pasts, our fathersâ service in the war, the Labour party, our children, biking, sea swimming (which we both love, but I suspect heâs more of a Lycra sporty person than me). Some techy stuff â heâs far more involved in that than I am, being a mathematician/physicist, while Iâm deeply technophobic. And he asked masses about me, which was pretty unusual and very nice.
Most awkward moment?
None, as far as Iâm aware. We were both frank about our past forays into internet dating, which was rather companionable.
Good table manners?
Yes. And we shared the food, and indeed took photos of it, as we both have a foodie child.
Best thing about Mike?
Likable and easy to talk to.
Would you introduce Mike to your friends?
Yes, unless they had a dog â Mike doesnât like them, which is a bit of a deal-breaker.
Q&A
Fancy a blind date?
Show
Blind date is Saturdayâs 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. Itâs been running since 2009 â 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 whatâs on your mind.
Can I choose who I match with?
No,
itâs a blind date! But we do ask you a bit about your interests,
preferences, etc â 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 personâs 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?
Weâll try! Marriage! Babies!
Can I do it in my home town?
Only if itâs in the UK. Many of our applicants live in London, but we would love to hear from people living elsewhere.
How to apply
Email [email protected]
Describe Mike in three words.
Well-mannered, chatty, curious.
What do you think Mike made of you?
God knows.
Did you go on somewhere?
No. I think we realised it was not to be, but gracefully exchanged phone numbers. I think it was a slight relief when I said: âHereâs the killer: I not only love dogs, but I like them sleeping on my bed.â (I didnât add âIn my bedâ, which is also true.)
And ⦠did you kiss?
Cordial pecks on the cheek.
If you could change one thing about the date, what would it be?
Nothing really, it was fine.
Marks out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
Probably not.
after newsletter promotion
Mike on Deborah
What were you hoping for?
Nothing beyond a couple of hours of intelligent and amusing conversation. Deborah certainly delivered on both counts.
First impressions?
An attractive, lively and engaging woman.
What did you talk about?
We ranged across her writing career, my work, politics, relationships, our families, pastimes â and dogs.
Most awkward moment?
I donât recall any: we quickly settled into a relaxed and friendly conversation.
Good table manners?
Impeccable. We shared some of our dishes. Amusingly, neither of us touched so much as a single drop of alcohol. I hardly ever touch the stuff. It didnât inhibit a great conversation, though.
Best thing about Deborah?
Although she has had an illustrious writing career, I had no sense that she was condescending towards someone as ordinary as myself. It felt like a conversation between equals.
Would you introduce Deborah to your friends?
I would be very happy to; I think she would fit in very well, particularly with my literary friends.
Describe Deborah in three words.
Listener, informed, intelligent.
What do you think Deborah made of you?
Whatever she made of me, she was gracious enough to show what appeared to be a genuine interest in my life and careers.
Did you go on somewhere?
No. I believe Deborah said she had to get back for something else.
And ⦠did you kiss?
We exchanged goodbye pecks on the cheeks, as you do with friends.
If you could change one thing about the date, what would it be?
It wouldâve been great to have had more time to get to know Deborah better.
Marks out of 10?
9.
Would you meet again?
Yes.
Deborah and Mike ate at Orasay, London W11. Fancy a blind date? Email [email protected]
