Alec on Shitong
What were you hoping for?
A memorable night.
First impressions?
Friendly, a little nervous. The situation felt surreal, like one of those films where two strangers are suddenly transported into a bizarre game.
What did you talk about?
Her research into cancer-killing metals. Why it’s hard to be a PhD student. Standup comedy. The bad luck of breaking a leg before a holiday.
Most awkward moment?
All the waiters knew it was a blind date and kept winking or smiling knowingly. It felt like The Truman Show.
Good table manners?
The best! Everything flowed.
Best thing about Shitong?
Impossible to say. She’s an incredible person – maybe her curiosity and love of adventure.
Would you introduce Shitong to your friends?
Absolutely. She’s easy to talk to and my friends love cooking and standup, so it would be a natural fit.
Describe Shitong in three words.
Inspiring, funny, kind.
What do you think Shitong made of you?
No idea, but we had a bunch of good laughs together.
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]
Did you go on somewhere?
We didn’t have enough time as I had to catch a train, but we had a nice walk in the rain to the station.
And … did you kiss?
Nope, it was more of a platonic evening.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
A different date spot – that way I could have stayed longer.
Marks out of 10?
10.
Would you meet again?
Certainly, if she wants to, though I forgot to exchange numbers.
Shitong on Alec
What were you hoping for?
Food and eye-opening conversations.
First impressions?
He seems like a very cool guy.
What did you talk about?
One of his horrible landlords. Daydreaming. General life goals.
Most awkward moment?
When I realised that he was a vegan and there were very limited options on the menu.
Good table manners?
Absolutely. Beetroot lovers generally have impressive table manners.
Best thing about Alec?
His life seems to be full of surprising and fascinating encounters with strangers.
Would you introduce Alec to your friends?
If he wanted to meet them.
Describe Alec in three words.
Funny, genuine, imaginative.
What do you think Alec made of you?
Mildly funny – and probably a bit weird.
Did you go on somewhere?
No, he had to catch his train so we just walked to the city centre together.
And … did you kiss?
No.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I wish I hadn’t been soaking wet from the rain when we hugged goodbye.
Marks out of 10?
8. I had some very eye-opening conversations with him.
Would you meet again?
Probably, as friends.
Alec and Shitong ate at Wilding, Oxford. Fancy a blind date? Email [email protected]
