Richard on Katrina
What were you hoping for?
Easy conversation with someone interesting, smart and relaxed.
First impressions?
Katrina arrived and my blind date trepidation vanished. She looked good, was warm, and the conversation flowed straight away.
What did you talk about?
Our grownup kids. Running. Travel. Our devotion to our coffee machines.
Most awkward moment?
I thought Katrina was still working her way through her post-meal mint tea, so was taken aback when she said, “Shall we call it a night?”
Good table manners?
Impeccable.
Best thing about Katrina?
She is great company.
Would you introduce Katrina to your friends?
Yes. I’m sure she gets on really well with most people.
Describe Katrina in three words
Calm, warm, open.
What do you think Katrina made of you?
She laughed at a few things I said, and we had quite a few things in common, so I think she felt I was easy company.
Did you go on somewhere?
As we left the restaurant and saw a queue of young people outside a bar, I joked that we should join them for a club night. We didn’t.
And … did you kiss?
No.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Nothing. I had a fun evening with a lovely woman and don’t think it could have been improved.
Marks out of 10?
A strong 8.
Would you meet again?
I really enjoyed Katrina’s company, we talked and laughed a lot. So of course.
Katrina on Richard
What were you hoping for?
To finally meet “the one”.
First impressions?
Polite, relaxed and quietly handsome.
What did you talk about?
Coffee snobbery – our coffee machines (identical), the best beans, our children aspiring to own the same machine.
Most awkward moment?
Arriving late.
Good table manners?
Impeccable. Attentive without ever being overbearing.
Best thing about Richard?
He’s a great conversationalist.
Would you introduce Richard to your friends?
Of course.
Describe Richard in three words
Warm, genuine, polite.
What do you think Richard made of you?
I hope he saw me as warm, approachable and engaging.
Did you go on somewhere?
No. We looked at the club opposite, but agreed that wasn’t going to happen.
And … did you kiss?
No. Just a polite and rather formal goodbye.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Honestly, not much. I really enjoyed the evening, and for a blind date it exceeded my expectations.
Marks out of 10?
9/10.
Would you meet again?
Possibly, as friends – I’m not sure there was a romantic spark, but I really enjoyed his company. I’d happily introduce him to the joys of the hill at Ashton Court parkrun.
Katrina and Richard ate at Marmo in Bristol. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
