What were your expectations going into the date? I had never participated in a blind date before, so I was looking forward to having an interesting story to tell and perhaps forming a new connection.
How did you feel about your initial encounter? He seemed kind and a little nervous. He was very engaged in our conversation but appeared to be somewhat in awe of the entire experience.
What topics did you discuss? We shared insights about our design careers, talked about music, our cooking preferences, and the art pieces and posters we own. He also showcased his impressive cap collection and recommended several films for my watchlist.
Was there an awkward moment during the date? Yes, at one point he humorously mistook my disco ball tattoo for an onion.
How were his table manners? They were impeccable. At one juncture, while addressing the waiter, he referred to me as “the lady,” which sparked a good laugh between us.
What impressed you the most about Stephen? He was genuinely engaged, easy to converse with, and had a great sense of humor. He was also quite generous with his compliments. He excelled at steering the conversation while remembering details and revisiting topics.
Would you consider introducing Stephen to your friends? After some time, yes. It’s a significant gesture to introduce someone to your circle, and it requires building trust first.
The Blind Date feature appears in Saturday’s dating column where two strangers are paired for dinner and drinks, subsequently sharing their experiences by answering a set of designated questions. This weekly feature, which includes a photo taken before the date, can be found in the Saturday magazine (in the UK) and on theguardian.com every Saturday. It has been ongoing since 2009, and more information about its format can be found here.
What questions will you be asked? We inquire about your age, location, job, hobbies, interests, and the type of person you wish to meet. If you have additional queries, feel free to voice them.
Can I choose my date? No, it’s a blind date! However, we do gather information about your interests and preferences to ensure a suitable match.
Can I select the photograph? No, but rest assured, we will choose the most flattering images.
Which personal details will be shared? Your first name, age, and occupation will be disclosed.
How should I respond? Be honest and considerate in your answers, keeping in mind how they will be perceived by your date, as the Blind Date column has a broad audience in print and online.
Will I see the other person’s answers? No, we may edit both your responses and theirs for various reasons, including brevity, and we might request further details from you.
Will you help me find the right partner? We will certainly try! Think of marriage and starting a family!
Can I do this in my hometown? Only if it’s located in the UK. While many participants are based in London, we welcome applicants from other regions as well.
To apply, please email blind.date@theguardian.com.
How would you describe Stephen in three words? Thoughtful, genuine, and inquisitive.
What impression do you think he had of you? I hope he found me amusing; I did manage to make him laugh several times.
Did you continue the evening elsewhere? We enjoyed a four-hour dinner, and since it was a Sunday, we decided to end the night there.
Was there any romantic gesture? No, we did not share a kiss.
If you could change one aspect of the date, what would it be? I wish I had shown a bit more curiosity and not struggled to recall recent albums I enjoyed. Also, I would have liked to have had more room to indulge in dessert!
How would you rate the date out of ten? An 8 (or 8.5, but I’m respecting Stephen’s aversion to half ratings).
Would you be interested in a second meeting? We did discuss the possibility of attending a concert or going to the movies together.
What were your initial hopes? I was looking forward to some light-hearted flirting with someone my discerning female friends would approve of.
How did you perceive your first impression? She had beautiful hair and spoke with an American accent.
What subjects did you cover during your conversation? We compared graphic designs, discussed recent albums and films, and shared thoughts on cinema etiquette. We also remarked on the elegance of the venue, exchanged our favorite dishes to cook, and talked about the challenges of dating apps and the art of flirting.
Was there an uncomfortable moment during the date? Nothing significant occurred, although I did refer to Shahar as “the lady” because of the restaurant’s upscale ambiance.
How were her table manners? They were impeccable; there were no spills, and we shared drinks and plates seamlessly.
What did you appreciate most about Shahar? I admired her passion and perspective on design, and, of course, her fabulous hair!
Would you introduce Shahar to your friends? I believe they would enjoy a lively conversation with her.
How would you describe Shahar in three words? Elegant, talkative, and curly.
What do you think she thought of you? Perhaps she saw me as a film enthusiast with a penchant for collecting hats.
Did you continue the evening after dinner? I suggested we grab another drink, but it was getting late. To be fair, we did linger at the restaurant for nearly five hours.
Was there any kissing involved? The mood didn’t seem right for it, which is perfectly fine; we had plenty to discuss.
If you could adjust one aspect of the date, what would it be? I would have preferred our seats to be closer together, and I wish we hadn’t met on a school night.
How would you rate the date? An 8, though I wouldn’t rate a person that way.
Would you be interested in seeing her again? I shared my number with her, so let’s see where it goes. There are numerous concerts and films we could enjoy together.
Shahar and Stephen dined at Cooper’s Cut in London EC3. Interested in a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com.
