Blind date: ‘Did we kiss? It’s the flu season’

1 day ago 5

A smiling young man with a beard wearing a cream and green patterned top

Aaron on Tara

What were you hoping for?
Someone to split a mortgage with. If not that, a nice night with someone new.

First impressions?
Great smile and really well dressed. Tara and I arrived at exactly the same time, which took some of that nervous anticipation away. I felt comfortable with her quickly.

What did you talk about?
Work. Family. The joys of being from the capital of the world (south London). The chat flowed throughout.

Most awkward moment?
There was a bit of indecisiveness about whether to call it a night or have another drink.

Good table manners?
Great. She navigated the sharing plates more elegantly than I did.

Q&A

Fancy a blind date?

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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

Best thing about Tara?
Tara’s lived a super-interesting life and I liked her adventurous spirit.

Would you introduce Tara to your friends?
I’m not sure how well our worlds would mesh.

Describe Tara in three words
Bubbly. Smiley. Warm.

What do you think Tara made of you?
I would imagine she thought I was underdressed (I was). I would also guess that I’m not her type, but I think she enjoyed my company.

Did you go on somewhere?
We did not.

And … did you kiss?
No, just a hug.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
If I’d known how much food was on the tasting menu, I’d have had a smaller lunch.

Marks out of 10?
Tara is a 10/10 person. I think the date itself was closer to a 6. There just wasn’t a romantic spark, sadly.

Would you meet again?
I’d say “Hi” if our paths crossed again.

A man and a woman smiling while they take a selfie standing outside with a large silver metal sculpture behind them

A smiling young woman with dark hair wearing a sleeveless black top

Tara on Aaron

What were you hoping for?
Some laughs and a fancy dinner – got both.

First impressions?
Tall, nice clothes. He apologised for having asked to reschedule the date because of his cold.

What did you talk about?
Aaron’s cool job. My sister’s obsession with Taskmaster. How tall Greg Davies is. The fancy loo at the restaurant.

Most awkward moment?
The waiters taking our picture under the Christmas tree with a surprise flash.

Good table manners?
I wouldn’t know – he made me look away when he tackled the tacos.

Best thing about Aaron?
He designs activities for kids at after-school clubs, which is pretty cool.

Would you introduce Aaron to your friends?
Yes, they would get on great and bond over music.

Describe Aaron in three words
Creative, warm, curious.

What do you think Aaron made of you?
Probably chatty, hopefully not too obsessed with Greg Davies.

Did you go on somewhere?
No, too full from eating Aaron’s ceviche.

And… did you kiss?
Kiss? It’s flu season! But I did get a text to check I’d got home safely.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Probably the day of the week. It’s hard to make the most of free margaritas on a Monday.

Marks out of 10?
8, I had a great time.

Would you meet again?
I’d love to go to one of Aaron’s gigs.

Aaron and Tara ate at Los Mochis, London EC2. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com

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