Jem, 27, advertising creative, and Ria, 23, junior TV question writer, go on our first virtual date

Jem on Ria

What were you hoping for?

To pretend that everything in the world isn’t weird right now, and do something a normal single person would do at a normal time in history.

First impressions?

She’s cute.

What did you talk about?

How we have both been doing abnormal things like handstands and self-tattoos. Celebrity crushes, living in London, and how she would probably win any pub quiz.

Any awkward moments?

I went to get my takeaway pizza and locked myself out of my flat.

Good table manners?

I think both of us were scared the camera would freeze on us pulling an unflattering face while eating.

How long did you stay on the call?

About three and a half hours.

Best thing about Ria?

Her call centre chic headset. And her laugh.

Did you introduce her to your housemates?

My only housemates are plants, but she nearly met the security guard when he knocked on the door to get the spare key back.

Describe Ria in three words

Pretty, smart, optimistic.

What do you think she made of you?

She probably thought I was an idiot for locking my keys in my flat.

Any connection issues?

I thought she was rude because she kept interrupting me, but I realised it was a delay on the connection.

And... did you swap numbers?

I asked for her number over email while I was sitting outside my flat, because I thought we’d have to finish the date on WhatsApp video from the corridor.

How did the call end?

I started yawning because I’d been up since 4am.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?

It felt a bit unnatural to say goodbye and press a button.

Marks out of 10?

Maybe a 4. I can’t say it was any more than that without devaluing how nice it would have been to meet her in person.

Would you meet again in person once physical distancing is over?

Yes. I hope so.

Q&A Want to be in Blind date? Show Hide Blind date is Guardian Weekend magazine’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 Guardian Weekend 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

Ria on Jem

What were you hoping for?

A laugh, a good story and for the video not to freeze while I was shoving in pizza.

First impressions?

Her tattoos and room full of houseplants hinted she was a lot cooler than me.

What did you talk about?

Coronavirus apocalypse, bisexuality, cheesy chips and how Piers Morgan finally saying something intelligent (about the virus) signified the end times.

Any awkward moments?

She got locked out of her flat. I thought it might have been a really inventive way to end the date, so I was glad when she came back.

Good table manners?

I think we may both have eaten really quickly to try to stop the video freezing mid-bite (we failed).

How long did you stay on the call?

About three hours.

Best thing about Jem?

She was really easy to talk to.

Did you introduce her to your housemates?

No, I think we managed to avoid too much awkwardness given the strange situation. She’d get on with my friends normally, though.

Describe Jem in three words

Funny, easygoing, creative.

What do you think she made of you?

Hopefully she didn’t think I managed to make self-isolation worse.

Blind date: ‘Did we kiss? A gentleman never tells’ Read more

Any connection issues?

The video call kept letting only one of us see the other.

And… did you swap numbers?

We did.

How did the call end?

We both started catching each other’s yawns.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?

She wouldn’t have got locked out.

Marks out of 10?

It feels unfair to score without meeting her in person.

Would you meet in person?

She asked me out for a drink when this is all over, so why not?

​• Self-isolation doesn’t mean you have to stop looking for love, and Blind Date will continue with online video dates. If you’re single and would like to be set up (with a takeaway on us), email blind.date@theguardian.com