Agnes on Tom
What were you hoping for?
A fun and different date with someone interesting.
First impressions?
A warm smile and kind eyes. He seemed very bubbly and friendly.
What did you talk about?
How passionate we are about our jobs. Healthcare for trans people. The magical Andrew Scott. Theatre and films. Food. Education systems. Canal boats. Not being from London. Boycotting a certain fish and chip shop.
Most awkward moment?
I was 10 minutes late because I struggled to find the restaurant, but Tom was very gentlemanly about it, so it ended up not being that awkward after all.
Good table manners?
Very. We grilled our own food at the table (great fun!), and Tom did this so gracefully it made me question the truthfulness of his comment about being an average cook.
Best thing about Tom?
He’s a great conversationalist and seems genuine in his care for other people.
Would you introduce Tom to your friends?
Yes – he is very likable.
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
Describe Tom in three words.
Warm, fun, attentive.
What do you think Tom made of you?
That my grilling skills aren’t the best, but hopefully that I made up for that by being a fun partner in conversation.
Did you go on somewhere?
We went to a pub for a pint after dinner.
And … did you kiss?
We didn’t. We hugged goodbye! I think that’s what felt most natural to us.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Apart from wishing I’d been on time, I can’t think of much I’d want to change. Maybe that I should have been more confident in myself in the grilling process.
Marks out of 10?
8. Tom was a brilliant blind date companion, and I’m glad we were matched. There wasn’t much of a flirty vibe between us, but I still consider it a successful date and a fun evening.
Would you meet again?
I would like that.
after newsletter promotion
Tom on Agnes
What were you looking for?
To meet the perfect plus-one for my granny’s 80th next week.
First impressions?
Agnes was really easy to talk to; I was quickly confident it would be a great evening in great company.
What did you talk about?
The restaurant gave us a little grill to cook the food ourselves, so there was quite a lot of focus on that. Books. Theatre. Norwegian education. Her dedication to organising birthday celebrations. Trans healthcare.
Most awkward moment?
Pretending we were pleased with the photo the passerby took of us.
Good table manners?
Yes, she was really polite about my aversion to seafood. She could have told me to grow up.
Best thing about Agnes?
Agnes’s passion for her interests and willingness to hear about mine.
Would you introduce Agnes to your friends?
Yes, absolutely.
Describe Agnes in three words?
Warm, engaging, fun!
What do you think Agnes made of you?
I hope she enjoyed the conversation as much as I did – it definitely flowed.
Did you go on somewhere?
Yes, to quite a pungent pub.
And … did you kiss?
We didn’t.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I had a lovely evening, it just lacked romantic chemistry. So I’d add that.
Marks out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
Not for a date, but definitely as a friend.
Agnes and Tom ate at Parrillan Coal Drops Yard, London N1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com