Blind date: ‘He said he hadn’t touched alcohol since Christmas – then downed four wines’

5 hours ago 1

Brian on Jeanette

What were you hoping for?
At worst, a free meal and an enjoyable conversation. At best, the start of a journey …

First impressions?
Excellent. Jeanette is lovely: very warm, friendly and easy to talk to.

What did you talk about?
Living and working abroad, Parisians being unfriendly, office banter and the fact that the best-looking people hang around in gay bars.

Most awkward moment?
She shared some forthright views about a few of the bars she has been to in Belfast.

Good table manners?
Impeccable. Nothing bad to report here.

Best thing about Jeanette?
She is unapologetic in her views.

Would you introduce Jeanette to your friends? She would liven up any social gathering.

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]

Describe Jeanette in three words
Funny, vegan, forthright.

What do you think Jeanette made of you?
She is German and advised me that culturally Germans are very reserved (but perhaps that was just code). She also said the Irish drink too much. Unfortunately, I think I may have reinforced that stereotype.

Did you go on somewhere?
No.

And … did you kiss?
We opted for the classic hug goodbye.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I would have preferred later in the week and for us to enjoy a drink together.

Marks out of 10?
A solid 8.

Would you meet again?
I cannot think of anyone better to go to gay bar karaoke with.

Jeanette on Brian

What were you hoping for?
A financially stable professional who could match my international experience and intellectual curiosity.

First impressions?
He made me think of that famous line of Lefty in Donnie Brasco: “That’s a beautiful thing, but it’s not my thing.”

What did you talk about?
We talked about work and travel, which I enjoyed until he said he was sad he was missing accordion practice for our date.

Most awkward moment?
He called me a weakling for wanting to wear a wetsuit in freezing Lough Neagh.

Good table manners?
He said he hadn’t touched alcohol since Christmas and then downed four wines.

Best thing about Brian?
He was clearly spoken and educated.

Would you introduce Brian to your friends?
He might occasionally struggle with the banter and quick wit.

Describe Brian in three words
Educated, somewhat wary, family-minded.

What do you think Brian made of you?
I think I might have confused him with my international lifestyle.

Did you go on somewhere?
No, we parted ways outside.

And … did you kiss?
No.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
To meet a man I had more connection with. Guardian readers, get in touch!

Marks out of 10?
6.

Would you meet again?
No, our lifestyles are incompatible and he made some comments that I found were lacking in romantic interest.

Brian and Jeanette ate at Molly’s Yard in Belfast. Fancy a blind date? Email [email protected]