Blind date: ‘We overstayed our welcome – the waiters were shaking the cutlery drawer really loudly’
What were you hoping for?
A fun date and to hopefully meet the one!
First impressions?
Handsome and relaxed.
What did you talk about?
The sports we do. Books. Family. Friends. Our jobs. Travelling and travelling mishaps. Vermin infestations. Stocks and shares. ISAs.
Most awkward moment?
We both arrived at the restaurant on time but there was a big queue which resulted in me sitting at the table alone for about 10 minutes – I got a bit nervous.
Good table manners?
No faux pas so all good.
Best thing about Pardis?
He is very sincere. He asked lots of questions, seemed interested in what I was saying and was a great listener. I also loved how laid-back he was – he went with the flow when I proposed the tasting menu.
Would you introduce Pardis to your friends?
Of course – he’s interesting and really good company.
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
Describe Pardis in three words
Easygoing, kind, engaging.
What do you think Pardis made of you?
A ray of sunshine, akin to what everyone else thinks of me!
Did you go on somewhere?
No, but we did overstay our welcome at the restaurant, to the point where the waiters were shaking the cutlery drawer really loudly.
And … did you kiss?
A lady never tells … But no.
If you could change one thing about the date, what would it be?
I would have loved it to be in Paris. Pardis in Paris!
Marks out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
Pardis is a lovely guy but I think we’re better suited as friends.
Pardis on Alexandrea
What were you hoping for?
The scene in About Time where the protagonist meets Rachel McAdams in that dark dining restaurant. (I appreciate that isn’t quite the same concept as a blind date.)
First impressions?
I was a few places behind her in the queue to get in the restaurant. I could only see the back of her head but thought: nice hair, good fashion sense.
What did you talk about?
There was a healthy amount of chat on the life cycle of a fly and the declining quality of mousetraps. We’ve both had minor pest issues recently – a perk of living in London.
Most awkward moment?
Probably mistaking her Irish accent for a Scottish one. Not my finest hour.
Good table manners?
Excellent, a picture of sophistication.
Best thing about Alexandrea?
Very down to earth, clearly adventurous and a great dinner party guest.
Would you introduce Alexandrea to your friends?
I wouldn’t put the poor girl through the trauma of meeting my rabble …
Describe Alexandrea in three words
Adventurous, kind, intelligent.
What do you think she made of you?
I think she enjoyed my chat. Either that or she’s great at acting entertained (or I’m completely oblivious).
Did you go on somewhere?
No, I was on early morning uncle duty the next day, so had to call it a night.
And … did you kiss?
No, a good wholesome hug.
If you could change one thing about the date, what would it be?
I’d brush up on my accent recognition beforehand.
Marks out of 10?
8 (for a friendship connection, otherwise it would have been higher).
Would you meet again?
Sure, as friends I’d be happy to.
Alexandrea and Pardis ate at Mildreds, London W1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
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