charles in tom
What did you expect?
Someone fun, ambitious and interesting.
First impressions?
well dressed. Big smile. High.
What did you talk about?
Careers. We talked about our travel stories – he has traveled extensively and talked about his time in South America. Gay pride.
Any awkward moment?
Our mutual state of lactose intolerance. It was a great topic of conversation when we were browsing the dessert menu. I don’t think the waiter fully understood when Tom said he couldn’t have dairy: he was offered scoops of ice cream.
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Good table manners?
He holds his wine glass by the stem and shares his food, so that’s a yes from me. I wouldn’t say the same about myself: I dropped my steak knife in my lap after nearly stabbing myself with it.
The best of Tom?
He is ambitious and knows what he wants from life. And Tegwen, her dog.
Would you introduce him to your friends?
I’m not too sure they have much in common, but why not?
Describe Tom in three words?
Ambitious, cold and traveler.
What do you think he made of you?
I’d like to think I was funny.
Did you go somewhere?
The restaurant asked if we wanted to go to the sky bar, but it was already 11: I was on call the next day and he had a physical therapy session in the morning.
Questions and answers
Do you want to be on Blind Date?
Show
The Blind Date is the Saturday dating column: Every week, two strangers pair up for dinner and drinks, then tell us the beans and answer a series of questions. This is published, with a photograph we took of each dater before the date, in Saturday magazine (in the UK) and online at theguardian.com every Saturday. It has been running since 2009; you can read all about how we put it together here.
What questions will they ask me?
We ask about age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests, and the type of person you want to meet. If you think these questions don’t cover everything you’d like to know, tell us what’s on your mind.
Can I choose who to pair up with?
No, it’s a blind date! But we ask you a bit about your interests, preferences, etc. The more you tell us, the better the match.
Can I choose the photograph?
No, but don’t worry: we’ll choose the prettiest ones.
What personal data will appear?
Your name, job and age.
How should I respond?
Sincerely but with respect. Consider how it will read for your date, and that Blind Date reaches a large audience, in print and online.
Will I see the other person’s responses?
No. We may edit yours and theirs for a variety of reasons, including length, and we may ask you for more details.
Will you find me the one?
We will try it! Marriage! Babies!
Can I do it in my hometown?
Only if it’s in the UK. Many of our applicants live in London, but we’d love to hear from people who live elsewhere.
How to apply
Email [email protected]
And… did you kiss?
The date was not going that way.
If you could change one thing about the night, what would it be?
The dairy-based cheese menu.
Scores out of 10?
7/10. We have things in common, but we want different things from life.
Would you meet again?
Yes, sure, as friends.
tom in charles
What did you expect?
Someone kind, open and passionate.
First impressions?
Tall, handsome and a little nervous.
What did you talk about?
Learning languages, our travels, my dog, Tegwen, Carlos’ passion for plants, and the quirky concerts he attends.
Any awkward moment?
The dessert menu was not very lactose intolerant friendly. My only choice was sorbet, and they still do scoops of ice cream!
Good table manners?
Impeccable. We talked a lot so our food got cold but it was worth it.
The best of Carlos?
Very modest, but accomplished. Your mother must be proud.
Would you introduce him to your friends?
Sure! But he’s the kind of person you’d rather spend time with in a more relaxed environment.
Describe Carlos in three words?
Kind, affectionate and modest.
What do you think he made of you?
I did not shut up! This was my first night out in a long time due to illness, and I was happy to hook up with someone new.
Did you go somewhere?
We spent three hours in the restaurant, so it was already quite late and the next day I was working early. Then no.
And… did you kiss?
Just a friendly hug.
If you could change one thing about the night, what would it be?
More dessert options for the lactose intolerant community.
Scores out of 10?
10, a perfect gentleman.
Would you meet again?
Like friends yes. He already promised to take me to a concert sometime.
Carlos and Tom ate at My restaurant by Gino D’Acampo, Liverpool. Do you fancy a blind date? Email [email protected]
www.theguardian.com
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism