Blind date: ‘It felt more like a lunch break with a colleague’

Anna on Petra

What were you hoping for?
Love at first sight? Or just an enjoyable evening with someone new.

First impressions?
Calm but confident. She already had a glass of red wine in hand, which I respected.

What did you talk about?
My drumming and love of arts and crafts. Her love of Lego, British crime dramas and recent movies. We tried to guess the relationships between the people on the other tables.

Any awkward moments?
Not really. Though the waiting staff knew we were on a blind date and were more excited about that than we were!

Good table manners?
For sure, though I think we both talked with our mouths full. A sign of how much there was to chat about.

Best thing about Petra?
She was so easy to talk to and dissolved my nerves as soon as we sat down.

Would you introduce Petra to your friends?
I don’t see why not. I don’t think they’d have much in common, but she would get along with most people.

Describe Petra in three words.
Relaxed, funny, self-assured.

What do you think Petra made of you?
I genuinely have no idea. I look forward to reading the review.

Did you go on somewhere?
No, we sat in the restaurant drinking wine for a short while after. I think that was enough for us.

And … did you kiss?
No juicy story here, I’m afraid!

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
If we hadn’t met on a work night we might have stayed for more drinks.

Marks out of 10?
7 – a fun evening with great food, wine and chat, but no romantic element.

Would you meet again?
Just as friends. We had a laugh, so I’d definitely go to the pub with her.

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 blind.date@theguardian.com

Petra on Anna

What were you hoping for?
A relaxed, bubbly person who I could click with.

First impressions?
Tiny woman with nice eyes.

What did you talk about?
I wish I could give you some juicy stories, but it felt more like a lunch break with a colleague. We talked about the NHS as we both work there, and travel and our hobbies, as we both have a few.

Any awkward moments?
None, really, we just didn’t click, so we both treated it as politely as we could.

Good table manners?
Yes.

Best thing about Anna?
She’s a good listener.

Would you introduce Anna to your friends?
Not as a date.

Describe Anna in three words.
Intelligent, kind, shy.

What do you think Anna made of you?
I think she would agree that I was a good conversationalist and also listened to what she had to say. I might have touched my hair slightly too much.

Related: Blind date: ‘I think she liked me. There may have been a little kiss’

Did you go on somewhere?
We didn’t. It was pretty late.

And … did you kiss?
No.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
I wouldn’t change anything.

Marks out of 10?
6.

Would you meet again?
I would meet her as a friend, for sure, but not as a potential date.

Anna and Petra ate at Gaucho Charlotte Street, London W1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com