Shawn on Tom
What were you hoping for?
An interesting and exciting evening.
First impressions?
He exceeded my expectations.
What did you talk about?
Our similar backgrounds and personalities, likes and dislikes (which we share a truckload of), where we grew up, what kind of people we’re attracted to, how we tend to avoid “the scene”.
Any awkward moments?
I was fashionably late.
Good table manners?
Absolutely.
Best thing about Tom?
His smile.
Would you introduce him to your friends?
Of course! It seems we have similar taste in friends, too.
Describe him in three words
Fun, light-hearted, considerate.
What do you think he made of you?
Probably too eager.
Did you go on somewhere?
Nope: both of us wanted to wait for a possible second or third meeting.
And… did you kiss?
Ye… no. He mentioned not wanting to kiss on the first meeting.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
My being late.
Marks out of 10?
9.
Would you meet again?
Definitely, even if it were just to explore friendship.
Tom on Shawn
What were you hoping for?
A great story to tell the grandkids. Preferably ours.
First impressions?
Very charming; he was a bit late due to work, but very apologetic. I was secretly relieved, because I’m normally the late one.
What did you talk about?
Everything – we had loads in common. Highlights were expat life, bad first dates and cemeteries.
Any awkward moments?
Not really. There was a bit of an awkward peck when we parted ways.
Good table manners?
Definitely. I went a bit full-on Catholic mum when I tried to get him to eat more veggies, but he coped well.
Best thing about Shawn?
He paid me a lot of nice compliments; I blushed a lot.
Would you introduce him to your friends?
Yeah, he’s intelligent and funny. I’m worried they’d prefer him and kick me out.
Describe him in three words
Confident, well-groomed, kind.
What do you think he made of you?
Um, pees a lot?
Did you go on somewhere?
Sadly not.
And… did you kiss?
Just the peck.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
I’d love there to have been a romantic spark, but sadly there wasn’t for me.
Marks out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
As mates, absolutely.
• Shawn and Tom ate at Coin Laundry, London EC1.
Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
If you’re looking to meet someone like-minded, visit soulmates.theguardian.com
