Was there a spark between Michael, 27, special educational needs tutor, and Tom, 23, PhD student

Blind date: ‘I went through his dating apps and swiped on his behalf’

Michael on Tom

What were you hoping for?

Someone fun and easy to be around.

First impressions?

Relieved – he instantly seemed like somebody I could get on with.

What did you talk about?

Coming-out stories, politics. He’s into theme parks, so I learned about Europe’s best rollercoasters.

Any awkward moments?

When he mentioned he was moving to Birmingham the next day.

Good table manners?

We were sharing tapas and I’m vegetarian, but he didn’t moan about being restricted.

Best thing about Tom?

Didn’t dwell on my awkward sense of humour.

Would you introduce him to your friends?



I think we’d all have a good time on a night out together.

Describe Tom in three words

Approachable, good-looking, driven.

What do you think he made of you?

He might have been a bit wary of the age difference.

Did you go on somewhere?

To a pub around the corner.

And... did you kiss?

No smooching.

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

I wish I’d known he was early. I was waiting in a bar on my own, too.

Marks out of 10?

8.

Would you meet again?

That depends on the logistics of him moving to a different city.

Tom on Michael

What were you hoping for?

Good conversation and a romantic spark.

First impressions?

Very polite and handsome, although not really my type.

What did you talk about?

Theme parks, bowling, art.

Any awkward moments?

I did start going through his dating apps and swiping on his behalf.

Good table manners?

Yes.

Best thing about Michael?

Good listener.

Would you introduce him to your friends?



They are similarly politically minded, so sure.

Describe Michael in three words

Interesting, kind, fun.

What do you think he made of you?

That I have strange interests.

Did you go on somewhere?

For some warm gin and tonics.

And... did you kiss?

No.

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

I would have let him get more words in.

Marks out of 10?

7.

Would you meet again?

As friends. I didn’t feel a spark.

• Tom and Michael ate at Tapas Revolution tapasrevolution.com/shoreditch.

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