Blind date: ‘We talked about how I don’t like Clapham gays – guess where he lives?’
Dec on Dave
What were you hoping for?
A sweet-hearted madman who would make me belly laugh.
First impressions?
Looked like a David. A bit nervous and jittery, but considerate, curious and chatty (all the best C-words).
What did you talk about?
People in cars shouting “ginge” at him. Us coming from the West Country (but only I sound like it). How I don’t like Clapham gays – guess where he lives?
Most awkward moment?
I tried on his stethoscope, pretending to listen for a heartbeat from the chicken.
Good table manners?
Sound as a pound.
Best thing about David?
His passion for his profession. Also, how he was so keen to ask, listen and hear.
Q&AFancy 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 David to your friends?
Possibly, so they can give him his second Buzzballz ever!
Describe David in three words
Moustached, kind, grounded.
What do you think David made of you?
Probably an absolute loony. No, I wonder if he saw through the tarty humour to my kind, smart, caring self.
Did you go on somewhere?
The kitchen was closing, and he had to work in the morning, saving lives – very inconsiderate.
And … did you kiss?
I gave him a polite peck on the cheek when we hugged bye-bye.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
Nothing: it was the perfect balance of sincere connection and nonsense.
Marks out of 10?
A solid 6. He’s a cracking bloke and rocks a floral shirt better than anyone I know. It’s a 6 not a 7 because I don’t like fish or salad; he kindly ordered me both.
Would you meet again?
We swapped numbers. We’re not each other’s “spark”, but had a good evening.
David on Dec
What were you hoping for?
Someone who put me at ease, asked me questions and made me want to text my friends about him in the toilet.
First impressions?
Definitely a main character. Handsome, potty-mouthed, charming and equally clueless about tapas.
What did you talk about?
Dec’s love of swearing. Coming out.
Most awkward moment?
Possibly when I realised I had a child’s blood on my trousers.
Good table manners?
Impeccable.
Best thing about Dec?
He’s very free and at ease in himself, and made me feel I could be too. And his autobiography will be a bestseller.
Would you introduce Dec to your friends?
I would. But I didn’t toilet-text them.
Describe Dec in three words
Curious, beautiful, free.
What do you think Dec made of you?
Hopefully good company! “Doctor” brings a whole set of expectations, but it felt like he was able to see past all that.
Did you go on somewhere?
We didn’t – but we stayed until closing.
And … did you kiss?
A quick peck at the station.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
We were side-by-side at the bar, which is weird for a first date. And he got my right side, which is definitely less good.
Marks out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
We agreed the chemistry felt more friendly than romantic, but I’d love to stay in touch.
Dec and David ate at Barrafina Drury Lane, London WC2. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
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