Blind date: ‘He referenced the “six seven” meme. We’re two generations too old for it and I had no idea how to react’

3 days ago 18

Toby on Liam

What were you hoping for?
I wanted to go in with no expectations.

First impressions?
He seemed somewhat shy.

What did you talk about?
Liam kept up with all my tangents, from favourite films/music/books to the deep introspective capacity of queer men.

Most awkward moment?
Liam made reference to the “six seven” meme. We’re two generations too old for it and I had no idea how to react.

Good table manners?
We were both somewhat feral in devouring the gorgeous food.

Best thing about Liam?
The way he talked about his friends – they clearly mean a lot to him.

Q&A

Fancy 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 [email protected]

Would you introduce Liam to your friends?
I’m sure they would love a visual when I’m telling the story of when I randomly went on a Guardian blind date.

Describe Liam in three words
Attentive, kind, Scottish.

What do you think Liam made of you?
That I was a fun, slightly chaotic (hot) man with an unnerving attachment to the live-action Scooby-Doo films.

Did you go on somewhere?
We were one of the last tables in the restaurant, but called it a night there.

And … did you kiss?
No kissing occurred.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
As we were saying goodbye, Liam proposed comparing notes on what we would mark each other. I refused as that spoils the fun! It made me wonder if he moderated or self-censored his behaviour to shoot for a higher score.

Marks out of 10?
I don’t think we were compatible, but I enjoyed the experience. I don’t know how to translate that into a number.

Would you meet again?
There was a lack of any romantic spark.

Liam on Toby

What were you hoping for?
To be a marmalade dropper in the Saturday Guardian.

First impressions?
What’s El DeBarge doing in Notting Hill?

What did you talk about?
Scooby-Doo. Running. Jonathan Bailey. The best and the worst carbs.

Most awkward moment?
When we spoke over each other to the fabulous French lady serving us. She must have thought we were the most indecisive diners ever.

Good table manners?
Impeccable.

Best thing about Toby?
His philosophical questions. “Shag, marry or kill pasta, rice and bread?” has been on my mind ever since.

Would you introduce Toby to your friends?
Sure! They’d think he was super fun.

Describe Toby in three words
Zesty, cute, chatty.

What do you think Toby made of you?
Why is this late twentysomething verbal stimming Michelle Yeoh’s Madame Morrible meme …

Did you go on somewhere?
We stayed at the restaurant till closing.

And … did you kiss?
Nope.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
It was a really nice evening with a fun person, but more of a romantic connection would have topped it off.

Marks out of 10?
Solid 7. Great food and fun chat!

Would you meet again?
For a run and a coffee, sure, but not romantically.

Liam and Toby ate at Erev, London W11. Fancy a blind date? Email [email protected]

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