Lara on Claire
What were you hoping for?
To meet the woman of my dreams and swiftly u-haul it to a coastal location.
First impressions?
Stunning smile and soulful eyes. And her shirt was cheeky and fun.
What did you talk about?
Travel. Careers. Awareness that this life is brief and important.
Most awkward moment?
Leaving at the end, I wanted to ask for her number. While I had to be back home for the little people, I would have loved to have texted her all night.
Good table manners?
Claire suggested sharing food – which is most admirable and joyful.
Best thing about Claire?
Her self-awareness, lack of ego, energy for new opportunities, and courage.
Would you introduce Claire to your friends?
Yes, my friends would adore Claire.
Describe Claire in three words.
Wise, generous, playful.
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]
What do you think Claire made of you?
That I talk too much, and use my hands to exaggerate any story.
Did you go on somewhere?
We didn’t. If we’d been in our 20s we’d have moved to several destinations and danced the night away.
And … did you kiss?
No! And I didn’t even ask for her number. Regrets, regrets, regrets.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
To have started earlier so we could have spent more time in conversation.
Marks out of 10?
Claire’s a 10 for sure.
Would you meet again?
I would love to see Claire again. There is so much more I would like to know.
Claire on Lara
What were you hoping for?
I was open to anything.
First impressions?
Lovely big smile. I instantly relaxed.
What did you talk about?
Why we chose to blind date. LGBTQ+ communities. Next year’s Sydney Mardi Gras. Family.
Most awkward moment?
I dropped an overly buttered slab of bread on to my chair. I picked it up, spreading back on the bit of butter that had flown off, and continued eating it.
Good table manners?
She was right at my level: finger-eating when needed, cutlery when necessary.
Best thing about Lara?
Her passion for LGBTQ+ community work and the values she holds.
Would you introduce Lara to your friends?
If I was out with my friends and bumped into Lara, I absolutely would.
Describe Lara in three words.
Confident, happy, funny.
What do you think Lara made of you?
I’m usually good at reading people, but it was really hard to tell what she thought of me.
Did you go on somewhere?
We didn’t, but we stayed until last orders at the restaurant, as we both loved the food.
And … did you kiss?
No. Just a friendly hug goodbye.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
That perhaps Lara would feel more comfortable to pose more questions back at me, so she could get to know me more. Possibly she felt nervous or didn’t want to pry, but I felt she knew little about me by the end of the night.
Marks out of 10?
7.
Would you meet again?
I don’t think we will. Our parting and goodbyes felt mutual.
Claire and Lara ate at the Strand Bistrotheque, Sydney. Fancy a blind date? Complete the form here (Australia only) or email [email protected]
