Blind date: ‘Did we kiss? In public? Heavens, no, we’re British! But we did have a warm goodbye hug’
Sonia on Stefan
What were you hoping for?
An enjoyable meal in pleasant company.
First impressions?
Friendly, relaxed, had hair – always a plus for me.
What did you talk about?
Our misspent youth – mine anyway. Our travels. Children. Dark skies. Walking. Films. Books. Gardening. Museums. We touched on politics, where our views seemed to align.
Most awkward moment?
Probably asking the waiter to take a photo of us, and then thinking that it wasn’t enough of a closeup!
Good table manners?
Impeccable, of course!
Best thing about Stefan?
He seemed interested in my life, and remembered things I’d said.
Q&A
Fancy a blind date?
Show











Would you introduce Stefan to your friends?
Yes, why not?
Describe Stefan in three words.
Interesting, interested, good company. (Can “good company” count as one?)
What do you think Stefan made of you?
He probably thought I complained about the rain too much.
Did you go on somewhere?
Yes, we visited the nearby Cartoon Museum, which was great fun. And then had another cup of coffee.
And … did you kiss?
No, but we hugged.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
I wouldn’t have met in the afternoon. An evening date would have been preferable – I would have drunk alcohol for a start!
Marks out of 10?
9.5. I hope he doesn’t give me a lower score – I’d feel a bit foolish.
Would you meet again?
We exchanged numbers. So very possibly.
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Sonia and Stefan on their date.
Stefan on Sonia
What were you hoping for?
At our age we have less confidence when it comes to dating, so it takes a brave personality to take a chance where the outcome will be published.
First impressions?
I was greeted with a very warm smile. A good start.
What did you talk about?
Film. Books. Gaza. Family. Doing the hippy trail to India (her). The joys of stargazing in Regent’s Park. We also talked about Sonia’s work volunteering at a museum I know well.
Most awkward moment?
Heading for the tube and me going confidently in the wrong direction.
Good table manners?
Hers: impeccable. Mine: hopefully didn’t make too much of a mess with the tapas.
Best thing about Sonia?
Always interested and interesting.
Would you introduce Sonia to friends?
Definitely.
Describe Sonia in three words.
Warm, confident, open.
What do you think Sonia made of you?
She asked for my phone number, just as I was about to ask for hers, so …
Did you go on somewhere?
The Cartoon Museum. Brilliant.
And … did you kiss?
In public? Heavens, no, we’re British! But we did have a warm goodbye hug.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
For the Guardian to have arranged better weather (it poured all day).
Marks out of 10?
Easily 9+.
Would you meet again?
I’d love to.
Sonia and Stefan ate at Bellazul, London W1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com