Tim on Patrick
What were you hoping for?
Good food, good conversation, more good food …
First impressions?
Tall, beaming, kissy right off the bat.
What did you talk about?
My lack of ballroom dancing skills (a major disappointment, I fear). Food (the restaurant came up trumps). London. Personal histories. Sondheim. Definitely not enough time for everything we had to say.
Most awkward moment?
Dogs v cats – we got through that minefield like true gentlemen.
Good table manners?
Laughing, talking and eating at the same time is never a pretty sight, but I like to think we rose above it. Though our waiter might disagree.
Best thing about Patrick?
This was his first go at a blind date and he took to it like a pro.
Would you introduce Patrick to your friends?
Of course – Patrick is a class act.
Describe Patrick in three words.
Charming, attractive, funny.
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 Patrick made of you?
Tall, loud, never feed me unpeeled prawns in a messy sauce? Also the dog had bitten my nose the day before but he coped manfully with my stomach-turning disfiguration.
Did you go on somewhere?
We chatted all the way to the tube.
And … did you kiss?
Two big smackers.
If you could change one thing about the lunch what would it be?
If it was the second date we wouldn’t have wasted time being nervous.
Marks out of 10?
A big fat 10. He’s a great guy. I felt lucky to meet him.
Would you meet again?
Yes, hopefully we are meeting again to go out later in the summer.
Patrick on Tim
What were you hoping for?
To make a connection and have fun while sharing a great meal.
First impressions?
Entertaining, polite and handsome.
What did you talk about?
Travel, theatre, where we’ve lived, summer plans … Conversation didn’t stop for three hours.
Most awkward moment?
My side of the table was a bit of a mess – crumbs were flying at one point.
Good table manners?
Perfect! Watching him shell the prawns was like a masterclass.
Best thing about Tim?
Cheeky in the best possible way, and super attentive.
Would you introduce Tim to your friends?
Yes, they would also enjoy his company.
Describe Tim in three words.
Caring, funny and interesting.
What do you think Tim made of you?
Good company and a different perspective as an American in London.
Did you go on somewhere?
No – we walked to the station and realised we have a lot more in common.
And … did you kiss?
Yes, as we said goodbye. Then we realised we were going the same way so I got another kiss one stop later. Win-win!
If you could change one thing about the lunch what would it be?
I would have been less formal and eaten more of the dessert he ordered.
Marks out of 10?
10.
Would you meet again?
Yes, we are going to see if we can see a show this summer.
Patrick and Tim ate at Sale e Pepe, London SW1. Fancy a blind date? Email [email protected]
