Taylor on Joshua
What were you hoping for?
Love at first sight. No, honestly, good conversation with a good person. Someone who was willing to engage with the spirit of the evening.
First impressions?
He had a quiet, calming presence. He arrived just before me and had already ordered a glass of sauvignon blanc, so I knew he was a man of taste.
What did you talk about?
His work as a professional musician and composer, which I found fascinating. We both have dual nationality, so we discussed the benefits of that.
Most awkward moment?
The guy at the next table wouldn’t stop looking at us. I almost asked him if he’d like to join us!
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 blind.date@theguardian.com
Good table manners?
Yes. His parents would be proud.
Best thing about Joshua?
His ability to be open and vulnerable with a total stranger.
Would you introduce Joshua to your friends?
Probably not – but maybe he’d get on with my musically inclined friends.
Describe Joshua in three words
Open, kind, shy.
What do you think he made of you?
He was quite hard to read, so I have no idea. He laughed at my jokes, though!
Did you go on somewhere?
Does the tube station count?
And … did you kiss?
A platonic goodbye hug was the closest we got to first base.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
I’d like to have heard one of his compositions. It’s not every day you go on a date with a music maestro.
Marks out of 10?
6.
Would you meet again?
I don’t think so. There was no romantic connection, but he’s a lovely person and I enjoyed our time together.
Joshua on Taylor
What were you hoping for?
Honestly, just a decent conversation. A bit of spark wouldn’t go amiss either.
First impressions?
“Handsome” was the first word that popped into my head. Beyond that, he was immediately polite, genuinely warm and had a very friendly vibe.
What did you talk about?
Our US connections. Travel. Sport. Work. Family.
Most awkward moment?
Probably when a bloke at the next table decided to chime in. Bit of a buzzkill.
Good table manners?
He was very good, though I might have noticed an elbow or two creeping on to the table at one point. Minor quibble!
Best thing about Taylor?
He’s genuinely curious and asks great questions, which makes you feel heard.
Would you introduce Taylor to your friends?
Absolutely. He’s got a good energy and seems like someone my mates would easily get along with.
Describe Taylor in three words
Warm, outgoing, kind.
What do you think he made of you?
I think my passion for music probably stood out. Hopefully, in a good way.
Did you go on somewhere?
Just a walk to the tube. Kept it chill.
And … did you kiss?
No.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
Just that little interruption from the neighbouring table.
Marks out of 10?
A strong 8.
Would you meet again?
Yes, definitely.
Joshua and Taylor ate at Sam’s Riverside, London W6. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com