What were you hoping for? I’m a regular reader and have always wanted to be in the column, so mostly here for the vibes. Bumping into the love of my life would be nice, though …
First impressions? Enthusiastic and chatty. Australian.
What did you talk about? Australia. Jobs. Clubbing. Psychology. Politics. Film. Gender. Economics.
Most awkward moment? There were no awkward moments – except, I suppose, wondering if my gag gift of a toy bat (“as blind as a bat” for a blind date) would land. Hopefully Lucy will find it a fun souvenir.
Good table manners? We shared all the food. I will not say “impeccable” – a terrible stock answer.
Best thing about Lucy? Her zest for life.
Would you introduce Lucy to your friends? I have a broad range of friends who are all pretty chill and friendly, and Lucy is great, so of course! She would certainly fit in with my clubbing crowd!
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 [email protected]
Describe Lucy in three words Talkative, fun, interesting.
What do you think Lucy made of you? I think she had a good time. I hope she thought I was engaging, open and a bit random (in a good way). And interested in her.
Did you go on somewhere? We went to a couple of pubs, and continued putting the world to rights.
If you could change one thing about the date, what would it be? It ended a bit early, as I had to get the coach home.
Marks out of 10? 9. I don’t give 10s – it’s a principle.
Would you meet again? It was a fun evening. We’ve swapped numbers, and we hang out in some of the same places …
What were you hoping for? A fun date, a new connection and someone cool to hang out with.
First impressions? He seemed really kind and genuinely happy to see me, which was lovely.
What did you talk about? Family. Relationships . Work. Music. It was one of those dates where you end up discussing lots of different topics.
Most awkward moment? Leon gave me a plastic bat (as in the mammal). I didn’t get the joke and thought he’d brought me a Halloween present, which I found pretty strange.
Good table manners? He served my aubergine parmigiana, which was very gentlemanly.
Best thing about Leon? He clearly put effort into planning the date. He’d thought of another pub we could go to if things were going well. It was nice that he’d considered what I might enjoy without knowing me yet.
Would you introduce Leon to your friends? Yes. He’s friendly and easy to talk to.
Describe Leon in three words Thoughtful, outdoorsy, open-hearted.
What do you think Leon made of you? That I’m fun, chatty and confident.
Did you go on somewhere? We did! We went to two different pubs.
If you could change one thing about the date, what would it be? I’d make it summer and start in the day, so we could spend some time outside.
Marks out of 10? 8.7. A fun evening.
Would you meet again? I’d be open to seeing what happens!
Lucy and Leon ate at Rossella , London NW5 . Fancy a blind date? Email [email protected]
