Suzie on Toby
What were you hoping for?
A cute evening meeting someone new – and a fun story to tell.
First impressions?
Cool style, I liked his hair and earring.
What did you talk about?
Crafts – he likes wood carving and I like making clothes. Etymology. The wig he has to wear for work.
Most awkward moment?
Toby tried to bond with our Bulgarian waiter over his knowledge of one Bulgarian author. He had never heard of her and was a little unimpressed.
Good table manners?
He was neat, a few instances of large mouthfuls before trying to talk but we kept laughing about it.
Best thing about Toby?
His dry sense of humour and that he proudly showed me a wooden frog he had carved.
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
Would you introduce Toby to your friends?
Yes, I have a few friends with similar niche book knowledge.
Describe Toby in three words.
Intellectual, charming, sweet.
What do you think Toby made of you?
Hopefully, that I was cute. Maybe a little too mean with my jokes …
Did you go on somewhere?
Nope, he had to go home to prepare for a case.
And … did you kiss?
A little cheek peck, it was a super busy street otherwise I think there could have been potential for a kiss.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Limited veggie options, but we ended up sharing starters which was nice.
Marks out of 10?
7.
Would you meet again?
I’d be up for a drink somewhere we’re both a little more relaxed to see what the vibe is.
Toby on Suzie
What were you hoping for?
Is it possible to say, “have fun and maybe meet someone cool” without sounding like someone’s aunt?
First impressions?
Friendly, smiley – and she was wearing this great top she’d made herself.
What did you talk about?
Intermittent vegetarianism. Fruit-based tattoos. Our mutual home town.
Most awkward moment?
None – although I almost got hit by a car on the way in. More dangerous than awkward!
Good table manners?
It was hard to go wrong – we basically shared everything.
Best thing about Suzie?
Really easy to talk to.
Would you introduce Suzie to your friends?
I think they’d get on.
Describe Suzie in three words.
Creative, clever, interesting.
What do you think Suzie made of you?
I’ve long known I have no idea whatsoever what anyone else is thinking. Hopefully, not a total idiot.
Did you go on somewhere?
I had to be up early so sadly not.
And … did you kiss?
We didn’t.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I would have liked another drink or two if it weren’t for the burden of having to not be hungover at work.
Marks out of 10?
7.
Would you meet again?
I don’t think there was much of a romantic vibe, so probably not, but she’s a really lovely person.
Toby and Suzie ate at Rake’s Café Bar, London EC2. Fancy a blind date? Email: blind.date@theguardian.com