First impressions? He was cute – great hair – and better than I expected. I got lost and was a little late and he was already there. What did you talk about? Differences between U.K. and USA. Policy. Pub. Favorite movies (Toy Story 2). University… He was very easy to talk to. Are there awkward moments? Only the entire restaurant staff knew exactly why we were there. Good table manners? Yes, I basically followed his lead. The best thing about Cole? Really easy to talk to, asked lots of questions and had really interesting things to say. He is also very intelligent. Would you recommend Cole to your friends? Yes, if they behave themselves. Describe Cole in three words. Smart, American, sweet. What do you think Cole did to you? Hope I got it right – maybe even funny. Did you continue somewhere? We just walked around talking until we got to a subway station – I became a bit of a tour guide. It was the middle of the week and we both had to go home. And … did you kiss? A little bit. If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be? More options for vegetables in the restaurant. Rated out of 10? A solid 8. Would you meet again? We hope. We talked about it and exchanged numbers. Sign up for Within Saturday The only way to get a behind-the-scenes look at our brand new magazine, Saturday. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers, plus all the must-read articles and columns delivered to your inbox every weekend. Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. questions and answers

Want to be on a blind date?

projection Blind Date is Saturday’s dating column: every week, two strangers pair up for dinner and drinks, then spill the beans on us by answering a series of questions. This runs, with a photo we take of each appointment before the date, in the 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 they ask me?We ask about the age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests and type of person you want to meet. If you think these questions don’t cover everything you’d like to know, let us know what you have in mind. Can I choose who I match with?No, it’s a blind date! But we do ask you a little about your interests, preferences, etc. Can I choose the photo?No, but don’t worry: we’ll pick the best ones. What personal information will be displayed?Your name, job and age. How should I answer?Honestly but respectfully. Keep in mind how it will read up to your date and that the blind date reaches a large audience, in print and online. Will I see other people’s answers?No. We may edit yours and theirs for various reasons, including length, and may ask you for more details. Will you find me the One?We will try! Marriage! Babies! Can I do it in my city?Only if it’s in the UK. Many of our applicants live in London, but we would like to hear from people who live elsewhere. How to applyEmail [email protected] Thanks for your response. Joseph and Cole on their date

Cole to Joseph

What did you expect? A friendly face in an unfamiliar city. I will also admit that I hope to meet someone special. First impressions? He walked two minutes late, which is a respectable time to arrive. What did you talk about? So much! Three hours of chatting with someone new is a long time and we put it to good use. Are there any awkward moments? My not-so-romantic questions about living in London, like, “Do you have a Travelcard or do you use a pass as you go?”. Laugh with me about those. Good table manners? I didn’t notice anything. The best thing about Joseph? He is not afraid to talk about what he likes. Would you recommend Joseph to your friends? At the moment, no – I tend to be a bit closed off about these things. But after a few more dates, maybe. Describe Joseph in three words. Relaxed, intelligent and conversational. What do you think Joseph did for you? I like to think he enjoyed my company – he didn’t look like he wanted the night to end, which is a good sign. Did you continue somewhere? A sweet night walk on Tower Bridge. And … did you kiss? There was a little kiss goodnight on the train home. Just enough to get everyone’s attention, but not enough for a show. If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be? I would have taken my unfinished sides home from the restaurant. Rating out of 10? A well earned 7. Would you meet again? I would do it. Joseph and Cole ate at The Coal Shed, London SE1. Want a blind date? Email [email protected]