Composite: Linda Nylind & Antonio Olmos/The Guardian View image in fullscreen Composite: Linda Nylind & Antonio Olmos/The Guardian Blind date Dating Blind date: ‘I asked him to compliment my outfit and he said he didn’t really like it’ Imogen, 31, a doctor, meets Andy, 36, founder of a consultancy firm
Prefer the Guardian on Google Imogen on Andy View image in fullscreen What were you hoping for? Something to tell the group chat that would elicit more :o reactions than usual.
First impressions? Polite, nice hands, early.
What did you talk about? We covered most of the world’s topics, my favourite being whether having an AI boyfriend is functionally the same as being in a long-distance relationship (I admit that was slight rage bait).
Most awkward moment? I jokingly asked for a compliment on my outfit and he said he didn’t really like it. I told him white lies exist for a reason …
Good table manners? Excellent – my water glass was never empty and our food was always perfectly shared down the middle. (By the way, best roast of my life.)
Best thing about Andy? An unparalleled debate partner who called me out when he disagreed with me (which I appreciated).
Would you introduce Andy to your friends? My single ones would love him.
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
Thank you for your feedback. Describe Andy in three words Witty, self-aware, circumspect.
What do you think Andy made of you? He swore he wasn’t, but I felt as if he might have been a bit overwhelmed by me – especially when I asked what his dream wedding would look like.
Did you go on somewhere? We went to the pub, then threw sticks for his dog Bella in the park (11/10 for her).
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be? Make it 5C cooler so I didn’t have to fan myself like an aghast Victorian maiden.
Would you meet again? To debate, or to dog-walk.
View image in fullscreen Imogen and Andy on their date Andy on Imogen View image in fullscreen What were you hoping for? To be…