Blind date: ‘The friend-zoning at the end was awkward’

David on Emma

What have been you hoping for?
A uncommon couple of hours the place I don’t put my foot in my mouth.

First impressions?
Unbelievable eyes. Endearingly nervous.

What did you speak about?
Relationship horror tales. Cliched issues we’d seen on courting apps. Gluten-free pizza. Work. Households. Journey.

Any awkward moments?
I needed to construct my very own taco, which might have been a catastrophe, however my shirt got here out unscathed. I wolfed down my first two tacos however observed in time to decelerate with the third, so I wasn’t simply weirdly watching her eat.

Good desk manners?
Can’t say I observed. I used to be actually specializing in not carrying my DIY taco.

Neatest thing about Emma?
She has many strings to her bow and a few cool hobbies. I’ll undoubtedly be trying out her classic garments website.

Would you introduce Emma to your mates?
Perhaps a few of the quieter ones.

Describe Emma in three phrases.
Vibrant, inventive and quirky.

What do you assume Emma manufactured from you?
In all probability that I speak too quick. I don’t assume she was impressed after I mentioned I don’t think about somebody’s political leanings when selecting a date (except they’re excessive or offensive).

Did you go on someplace?
We walked by some filming in Borough market. A safety guard advised me it was for a mayonnaise advert.

And ... did you kiss?
A pleasant hug and a few bread was all we shared.

In case you might change one factor concerning the night what would it not be?
I’d have taken her up on the provide of a few of her crème brûlée.

Marks out of 10?
A strong 7.

Would you meet once more?
She’s pretty, however I don’t assume both of us see the necessity to hang around once more.

Q&A

Need to be in Blind date?

Present

Blind date is Saturday’s courting column: each week, two
strangers are paired up for dinner and drinks, after which spill the beans
to us, answering a set of questions. This runs, with a photograph we
take of every dater earlier than the date, in Saturday journal (within the
UK) and on-line at theguardian.com each Saturday. It’s been operating since 2009 – you possibly can learn all about how we put it collectively right here.

What questions will I be requested?
We
ask about age, location, occupation, hobbies, pursuits and the kind of
individual you want to meet. If you don't assume these questions
cowl every part you want to know, inform us what’s in your thoughts.

Can I select who I match with?
No,
it’s a blind date! However we do ask you a bit about your pursuits,
preferences, and so forth – the extra you inform us, the higher the match is probably going
to be.

Can I decide the photograph?
No, however don't be concerned: we'll select the nicest ones.

What private particulars will seem?
Your first identify, job and age.

How ought to I reply?
Truthfully
however respectfully. Be aware of the way it will learn to your date, and that
Blind date reaches a big viewers, in print and on-line.

Will I see the opposite individual’s solutions?
No. We could edit yours and theirs for a variety of causes, together with size, and we could ask you for extra particulars.

Will you discover me The One?
We’ll attempt! Marriage! Infants!

Can I do it in my dwelling city?
Provided that it’s within the UK. Lots of our candidates dwell in London, however we'd love to listen to from folks residing elsewhere.

Easy methods to apply
E mail blind.date@theguardian.com

Was this beneficial?

Thanks to your suggestions.

David and Emma on their date

Emma on David

What have been you hoping for?
A great connection. Alternatively, an excellent image to make use of on Hinge.

First impressions?
Pleasant and well mannered. He appeared like a genuinely good man.

What did you speak about?
The intricacies of the Blind Date course of. The density of gluten-free bread. Typical first-date cliches – I don’t assume we had a lot in widespread.

Any awkward moments?
The awkward friend-zoning on the finish ... Spoiler alert, sorry.

Good desk manners?
He was very nicely mannered and had impeccable serviette use: 10/10.

Neatest thing about David?
Very straightforward to speak to and he appeared eager about what I needed to say, asking plenty of questions.

Would you introduce David to your mates?
Sadly, no, I don’t assume there can be sufficient widespread floor.

Describe David in three phrases?
Participating, open, heat.

What do you assume David manufactured from you?
Being mildly obsessive about getting no less than 7/10 on this column.

Did you go on someplace?
We walked by an extremely elaborate movie set (which we in all probability ought to have crashed for a greater story) after which headed dwelling.

And ... did you kiss?
No, only a pleasant hug. We loved a pleasant dinner however there was simply no spark.

In case you might change one factor concerning the night what would it not be?
Extra chemistry and deeper dialog. And I’d fully milk the Guardian bills funds.

Marks out of 10?
7/10. I’m manifesting.

Would you meet once more?
I wouldn’t, however I want him all the very best.

David and Emma ate at Mallow, London SE1. Fancy a blind date? E mail blind.date@theguardian.com