James on Will
What were you hoping for?
To meet someone I connect with. My night started in Wetherspoons, where I popped in to use the loo and then had a tequila shot. It could only go up from there …
First impressions?
Trendy, and nice eyes.
What did you talk about?
The adrenaline rollercoaster of failing to get Glasto tickets. Our disdain for Matt Hancock being on I’m a Celebrity. Our most tragic teenage jobs.
Most awkward moment?
The dining space was quite compact and I may have kicked Will under the table a few times. I’m not sure if he thought I was trying to play footsie.
Good table manners?
Excellent! My wine glass was kept full all evening.
Best thing about Will?
He asked a lot of questions and was great at conversation.
Would you introduce Will to your friends?
I would. My best friend shares Will’s love for comedy and I’m sure I could leave them chatting for hours.
Describe Will in three words.
Inquisitive. Composed. Attentive.
What do you think Will made of you?
He kept his cards fairly close to his chest so it’s difficult to say. He said he wasn’t fussed by dessert (unlike me) and we both stayed for one, so maybe that’s a good sign.
Did you go on somewhere?
We did not – most of the nearby pubs were full of football fans.
And … did you kiss?
No.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
More leg room.
Marks out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
We exchanged numbers so I’d be happy to meet again.
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 [email protected]
Will on James
What were you hoping for?
A low-stakes evening with the love of my life.
First impressions?
Very smiley. And he seemed to share my trepidation at the number of football fans around, which was reassuring.
What did you talk about?
Travel. Festivals. The World Cup. Pub roasts … I promise I’m not secretly straight!
Most awkward moment?
The lime garnish fell off the rim of my cocktail and hit me in the face, but I’m actually not sure if he noticed.
Good table manners?
We set ourselves up for a fall ordering shared plates: “splitting barbecue cod collar elegantly” is an oxymoron.
Best thing about James?
Very easygoing but a touch sardonic.
Would you introduce James to your friends?
If we were all in the same place, it would be strange not to.
Describe James in three words.
An affable raconteur.
What do you think James made of you?
He said towards the end he didn’t think I was weird, so that was pretty heartening to hear.
Did you go on somewhere?
We did not, but we had dessert, which I feel shows investment in the evening.
And … did you kiss?
Nope.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Nothing really: it took its natural course.
Marks out of 10?
I’ll channel my inner Motsi and say 7.
Would you meet again?
We swapped numbers, but for me it felt more like friendship than romance.
James and Will ate at Prawn on the Lawn, London N1. Fancy a blind date? Email [email protected]
