David on Jacqueline
What were you hoping for?
To meet someone interesting. I’m a huge fan of Blind Date and thought it’d be cool to take a wild plunge. Although it didn’t work out, it was still tremendous fun.
First impressions?
We didn’t click, no instant appeal, but Jaqueline did have a nice smile.
What did you talk about?
We talked about who we were and our interests, from family to CND to music. We both like the Rolling Stones.
Most awkward moment?
Probably the realisation very early on that there was no chemistry, plus perhaps also when Jacqueline said she didn’t like jazz.
Good table manners?
Nothing to complain about.
Best thing about Jacqueline?
She seemed nice and we shared a common dislike of the Conservatives.
Would you introduce Jacqueline to your friends?
No, I’m afraid not, we were too different.
Describe Jacqueline in three words.
Sensible, kind, independent.
What do you think Jacqueline made of you?
I haven’t got a clue … but she did ask if I was rich at one point.
Did you go on somewhere?
No. We decided to draw our meeting to a close at 9pm and go our separate ways, politely.
And … did you kiss?
No, we just shook hands.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
The volume. Dubious acoustics and a live jazz band don’t make for relaxed chatting. No complaints about the restaurant, though – the food and service were excellent.
Marks out of 10?
4.5.
Would you meet again?
I don’t think so.
Q&A
Fancy a 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]
Jacqueline on David
What were you hoping for?
A whirlwind romance, followed by a wedding in Italy.
First impressions?
Gentlemanly, polite, urbane.
What did you talk about?
Our families, travels, ex-partners, children and work. We also talked about space travel (I told him I wish I could go to Mars). And counselling.
Most awkward moment?
I may have embarrassed him by asking if he was rich.
Good table manners?
Absolutely. David made sure I was well provided for and didn’t mind that we had no meat (I am pescatarian; he is a flexitarian).
Best thing about David?
His honesty. We quickly established he was too busy for a relationship (being away a lot) and liked – preferred, even – his own company.
Would you introduce David to your friends?
No reason not to, but I’m not sure they would have a lot in common.
Describe David in three words?
Busy, family-oriented, confident.
What do you think David made of you?
Ridiculously attractive, highly intelligent and extremely talented.
Did you go on somewhere?
No, David had to be up at 4.30am for work – and we didn’t click so there seemed little point.
And … did you kiss?
On arrival – continental style on both cheeks.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
The music was so loud we couldn’t really hear one another. Maybe somewhere quieter would have given us more of a chance to establish some kind of rapport.
Marks out of 10?
6.
Would you meet again?
No.
David and Jacqueline ate at The Shed Soho, London W1. Fancy a blind date? Email [email protected]
