Blind date: ‘He was stunned by my taste for strong cocktails and disco classics’

Dan, left, and Chris. Photograph: Sophia Evans; Alicia Canter, both for the Guardian for the Guardian

Dan on Chris

What were you hoping for?
I went in without expectation, while ready for anything positive that might unfold.

First impressions?
Punctual, chirpy, cute.

What did you talk about?
Middle Eastern politics, doing a triathlon, Provence and the prostate.

Any awkward moments?
I think we stopped talking to come up for air a couple of times. The lulls felt a little nervous.

Good table manners?
Chopsticks are always going to catch out the infrequent user at some point.

Best thing about Chris?
He has lots of verve in his passions for politics and music.

Would you introduce him to your friends?
Sure. They’re an eclectic bunch with passion aplenty, too.

Describe him in three words
Animated, principled, green.

What do you think he made of you?
I think he was a bit stunned by my taste for strong cocktails and disco classics in the kitsch bar we went on to. And I think he liked it.

Did you go on somewhere?
The kitsch bar. Then calmed down with a peppermint tea.

And... did you kiss?
No kiss, but a hearty hug.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
To have been outside.

Marks out of 10?
7.5.

Would you meet again?
Yep, as friends.

Chris on Dan

What were you hoping for?
Someone who wouldn’t try and swipe left on my face, ideally.

First impressions?
Charming, a dashing smile.

What did you talk about?
Working for charities, the highs and lows of being a Tefl teacher, being Jeremy Corbyn enthusiasts.

Related: Blind date: ‘I would have liked to laugh’

Any awkward moments?
I recommended a bar that was closed by the time we arrived. Rookie error.

Good table manners?
Impeccable. I had chopstick malfunctions, however.

Best thing about Dan?
His gregariousness.

Would you introduce him to your friends?
For sure.

Describe him in three words
Intelligent, kind, funny.

What do you think he made of you?
Not entirely awful company, I’m hoping.

Did you go on somewhere?
A bar in Soho.

And... did you kiss?
No.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?

A quieter bar after dinner.

Marks out of 10?
A solid 7.5

Would you meet again?
As friends, sure

• Dan and Chris ate at Plum Valley, London W1.
Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com.
If you’re looking to meet someone like-minded, visit soulmates.theguardian.com/subscribe/blinddate.