James on Emily



What were you hoping for?

I’ve never been on a blind date before, so I guess first and foremost I hoped not to embarrass myself. I wanted what everyone wants from a first date: instant chemistry and top-notch chat.

First impressions?

I fancied her. Nice work, Blind Date.

What did you talk about?

We compared embarrassing date stories, our upbringings in secluded towns and how we are both cat people.

Any awkward moments?

Only when I instinctively said, “Oh dear, I don’t know,” just as my mum would, during the occasional moment of silence.

Good table manners?

Yes.

Best thing about Emily?

She laughed at my jokes, even though they weren’t funny.

Would you introduce her to your friends?

Not on purpose.

Describe Emily in three words

Funny, smart and confident.

What do you think she made of you?

I think she found me endearingly dim.

Did you go on somewhere?

Emily understandably called it a night at 10.30pm, as she had to be up at 5.45am the following morning.

And… did you kiss?

I can confirm that we did not kiss on the lips.

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

I am completely horrified that I forgot to tip. I can’t believe I’ve just admitted that: it has honestly never happened before, it just slipped my mind.

Marks out of 10?

7.5.

Would you meet again?

I successfully acquired Emily’s phone number, so we shall wait and see…

Emily on James

What were you hoping for?

The fireworks you see in films. And plenty of wine.

First impressions?

Late, tall and ginger.

What did you talk about?

Holly Willoughby, our worst date stories, cats and Madeleine McCann.

Any awkward moments?

Only when he asked if we’d had any awkward moments… that one was entirely his fault.

Good table manners?

Yep, he was determined not to be defeated by three courses, red and white wine.

Best thing about James?

His love for dating: he used to work for a dating column and now he has finally made it into one.

Would you introduce him to your friends?

I’m not sure he’d be able to handle them.

Describe James in three words

Funny, outgoing and chatty.

What do you think he made of you?

That I talk and love wine too much, and am bad at directions.

Did you go on somewhere?

No, much to his dismay. I had to make a long trek home and it was only a Tuesday.

And… did you kiss?

Just on the cheek.

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

To not devalue my own geography degree by sending us in the wrong direction.

Marks out of 10?

7.

Would you meet again?

He said we should read the article together. I haven’t received a text yet…

• James and Emily ate at The Gun, London E1.

Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com

If you’re looking to meet someone like-minded, visit soulmates.theguardian.com