Blind date: ‘I hoped my first ever blind date would be with a good human … nailed it’

3 hours ago 1

Holly on Johnny

What were you hoping for?
A new experience that would push me out of my comfort zone. Meeting someone I liked would be a bonus.

First impressions?
Nice smile, soft jumper and a warm, welcoming energy.

What did you talk about?
Travel. Tattoos. Turtles. Politics. Music. Family. Our careers and dreams.

Most awkward moment?
When I knocked over my wine and it spread an embarrassingly long way. But he was so nice about it, so the awkwardness didn’t last long.

Good table manners?
Polite and generous. He offered me his napkin to wipe up the spilt wine.

Q&A

Fancy a blind date?

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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]

Best thing about Johnny?
Lots comes to mind but probably his sense of humour.

Would you introduce Johnny to your friends?
Yes, I think they would love him.

Describe Johnny in three words.
Considerate, funny and conscientious.

What do you think Johnny made of you?
Probably that I am a bit scatty and don’t take myself too seriously.

Did you go on somewhere?
I couldn’t stay out late unfortunately. But I would have, had I been able to.

And … did you kiss?
No, but we had a nice hug.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Stayed out longer and maybe have done a fun activity together.

Marks out of 10?
9 (or there’s no room for improvement).

Would you meet again?
Yes. We swapped numbers, so hoping to meet again soon.

Johnny on Holly

What were you hoping for?
For my first ever blind date (yikes!) to be with a really good human to make the experience lovely. Nailed it – danke schön, Guardian!

First impressions?
Stylish dresser, tall and a hugger.

What did you talk about?
Trump and what the US will be like, particularly for women. Things we learned about ourselves in 2024. Taylor Swift (we’re both fans and have seen her live). Colonisation and the awful impact it had on various First Nations peoples.

Most awkward moment?
Probably the first few minutes as I was super nervous.

Good table manners?
Great! We agreed that pork crackling needed to be eaten with our hands.

Best thing about Holly?
She struck me as a really curious, open-minded person.

Would you introduce Holly to your friends?
I would. They’d have a lot in common.

Describe Holly in three words.
Curious, interesting and warm.

What do you think Holly made of you?
I’d say funny, interesting, cheeky and sweary. She told me I was nice, too.

Did you go on somewhere?
Logistics meant we had to go our separate ways.

And... did you kiss?
Negative, Ghost Rider.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
To have continued it after dinner.

Marks out of 10?
A very enjoyable 8/10 for the date itself (I ain’t rating humans out of 10).

Would you meet again?
Yes, we’re planning to. I’m intrigued to learn more about her.

Holly and Johnny ate at Lorne, London SW1. Fancy a blind date? Email [email protected]