Owen on Marina
What were you hoping for?
An enjoyable evening with a fun person; romantic potential an added bonus.
First impressions?
Delighted: she’s really pretty and has a warm character.
What did you talk about?
Jobs, family, religion, music, Armando Iannucci. My mum had warned me not to talk too much about myself.
Any awkward moments?
I said something like, “I’m glad you’re not dressed too smartly” and she pretended not to take offence. I also tried to order a second bottle.
Good table manners?
Superb: she prefers white to red wine and, much to my embarrassment, we ended up getting red.
Best thing about Marina?
Easy to talk to, great fun.
Would you introduce her to your friends?
Absolutely. They’d probably like her more than me.
Describe her in three words
Confident, interesting, fun.
What do you think she made of you?
Hopefully not an alcoholic or a cheapskate.
Did you go on somewhere?
Sadly, no.
And... did you kiss?
I can’t provide that info.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
There was a rush at the end to get the last train, and I failed to ask for her number.
Marks out of 10?
An easy 8.5.
Would you meet again?
I’d love to, except I failed to get her number.
Marina on Owen
What were you hoping for?
Someone interesting.
First impressions?
Chatty, relaxed, laughed almost straight away.
What did you talk about?
Catholicism, his PhD, eating meat, music. Conversation flowed, but felt one-sided. I was less impressed when he asked me for the third time where I live.
Any awkward moments?
Not really.
Good table manners?
As good as they could have been while eating burgers.
Best thing about Owen?
His laugh is quite contagious.
Would you introduce him to your friends?
Yes – he seems the kind of guy who gets on with people.
Describe him in three words
Funny, enthusiastic, talkative.
What do you think he made of you?
Not that interested. One highlight was him saying, “I’m glad you’re not classy” – brilliant!
Did you go on somewhere?
It was discussed, but he had a train to catch, and so did I.
And... did you kiss?
No.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
I’d have sung with the band.
Marks out of 10?
6. A great guy, just not for me.
Would you meet again?
Unlikely.
• Owen and Marina ate at Piano Works, London EC1.
Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com. For a free three-day trial of Soulmates, go to soulmates.theguardian.com
