Jayson on Eleanor
What were you hoping for?
A nice evening. I was curious about what it would bring.
First impressions?
A very nice and easygoing person. She was welcoming and a pleasure to talk to.
What did you talk about?
Eleanor’s work at a local charity and her passion for fundraising. I was very impressed with how she travelled across Asia on her own at a young age. Travelling. Food. Horror films/TV shows. Family.
Most awkward moment?
I didn’t drink any alcohol or eat a full meal. I’d had a very late breakfast and I’m in training – so perhaps that mismatch was a bit awkward.
Good table manners?
Yes, can’t complain.
Best thing about Eleanor?
She has a great relationship with her family and friends, which is amazing.
Would you introduce Eleanor to your friends?
Yes. She is a funny person with a great personality.
Describe Eleanor in three words.
Open-minded, family-oriented, positive.
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
What do you think Eleanor made of you?
I hope she enjoyed the evening. We had very similar taste in horror films.
Did you go on somewhere?
No.
And … did you kiss?
The conversation flowed effortlessly, but it didn’t feel charged with romantic potential.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
Perhaps I would have had breakfast earlier, so I could have eaten a meal with Eleanor.
Marks out of 10?
7.
Would you meet again?
Unfortunately, no. We had a great time but I don’t think there was a spark.
Eleanor on Jayson
What were you hoping for?
An evening of good food, laughter and possible flirting.
First impressions?
He was tall and had a really kind face.
What did you talk about?
Work. Holidays. TV we watched as kids. Jayson’s passion for streetwear. Our shared love of horror films.
Most awkward moment?
Me dining solo. He wasn’t hungry because he’d had breakfast at 3pm!
Good table manners?
He didn’t eat much or drink anything, so I’m unsure about his table manners.
Best thing about Jayson?
We didn’t stop talking. He was full of questions and stories about holidays and experiences running marathons.
Would you introduce Jayson to your friends?
Yes, although I’m unsure if he would enjoy an evening with them.
Describe Jayson in three words.
Sweet, serious, polite.
What do you think Jayson made of you?
I think he found me rather unserious and wild, especially when I had my third solo spicy margarita.
Did you go on somewhere?
No, it wasn’t really the vibe.
And … did you kiss?
No.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
That we could have shared a few small plates and sampled more of the menu.
Marks out of 10?
7.
Would you meet again?
I don’t think so. We are very different people, with different priorities in life.
Eleanor and Jayson ate at Brooke, London SW4. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
