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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle

Blind date: ‘I was mid-prosecco swig when he told me he didn’t drink’

Johnny, with shoulder-length brown hair, and Gen, wearing a denim jacket
Johnny and Gen: ‘I think she’s a great woman.’ Photograph: Andy Hall/The Guardian

Johnny on Gen

What were you hoping for?
A pleasant evening and maybe the beginning of a new friendship or romance.

First impressions?
Pretty, intelligent, easy to be with.

What did you talk about?
Our times at university, living in cold and dirty student houses (truly magical), the purpose of the jury in criminal trials. I worry I may have talked a little too much.

Any awkward moments?
I did use the expression “man” a lot, as in, “No way, man!” which is strange considering Gen is not a man.

Good table manners?
Yes.

Best thing about Gen?
She was totally authentic and genuine, not interested in presenting any sort of image of herself. I think that’s really special.

Would you introduce her to your friends?
Of course.

Describe Gen in three words
Not a man!

What do you think she made of you?
I hope something loosely along the lines of “not a complete tosser”.

Did you go on somewhere?
We didn’t. It was raining and it felt like our evening had reached its natural conclusion.

And… did you kiss?
No. I don’t think either of us felt such feelings towards one another, and that’s all right.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
Asking the restaurant if they had non-alcoholic cocktails. I don’t drink.

Marks out of 10?
8. Although I don’t necessarily see any friendship or romance blossoming out of the evening, I think she’s a great woman.

Would you meet again?
I’d like to, but I sense we probably won’t.

Gen on Johnny

What were you hoping for?
An excuse not to cook dinner.

First impressions?
Long hair, short trousers.

What did you talk about?
All the classics – university, books, films, the Crusades.

Any awkward moments?
I was mid-prosecco swig when he told me he didn’t drink.

Good table manners?
Perfect – he honourably ate his kebab with a knife and fork.

Best thing about Johnny?
His London museum recommendations.

Would you introduce him to your friends?
I think they might eat him alive.

Describe Johnny in three words
Inquisitive, open, polite.

What do you think he made of you?
A vegetarian who knows disappointingly little about art.

Did you go on somewhere?
The bus stop.

And… did you kiss?
No.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
I would have had a second (or third) cocktail.

Marks out of 10?
6.

Would you meet again?
Probably not.

• Johnny and Gen ate at Le Bab Soho, London W1

Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com

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