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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle

Blind date: ‘The waiters wanted an on-the-spot review of what we thought of each other’

Paul and Amanda
Paul and Amanda. Photograph: Gary Calton/The Guardian

Paul on Amanda

What were you hoping for?
An adventure, engaging company, good food.

First impressions?
Tall and smiley.

What did you talk about?
What didn’t we talk about? Food, wine, music, film, travel, politics, likes and dislikes, the outdoors and, of course, Alan Partridge!

Most awkward moment?
I arrived at the restaurant before it had opened.

Good table manners?
Well, I don’t think there was much mopping up to do after us.

Best thing about Amanda?
Flowing conversation, worldly wise, open-minded.

Would you introduce Amanda to your friends?
Yes.

Describe Amanda in three words
Engaging, educated, Oasis-mad.

What do you think Amanda made of you?
I’m useless at gauging other people’s thoughts, but I’m hoping for something positive.

Did you go on somewhere?
Yes, a drink at a proper old pub.

And … did you kiss?
A friendly peck on the cheek.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Nothing.

Marks out of 10?
10.

Would you meet again?
Yes, we certainly connected and swapped numbers.

Amanda on Paul

What were you hoping for?
Someone who could hold a stimulating conversation while also making my stomach flutter. The elusive spark, that delicious, nervous energy you only get when you’re attracted to someone – all washed down with great wine and food.

First impressions?
Fit, northern and exactly my type.

What did you talk about?
Travel, music, family, our shared love of Alan Partridge, the state of the nation.

Most awkward moment?
Waiters wanting an on-the-spot review of what we thought of each other.

Good table manners?
Absolutely. Can’t say the same for me though, as I was straight into the bread basket once it touched the table.

Best thing about Paul?
He is physically fit, active and keen to get out and see the world.

Would you introduce Paul to your friends?
Yes, he would fit right in.

Describe Paul in three words
Adventurous, genuine, open.

What do you think Paul made of you?
“Does she ever stop talking?” or “She is really enjoying the wine.” My nerves are the common link between the two.

Did you go on somewhere?
Yes, we popped to a nearby pub for one.

And … did you kiss?
Suffice to say we parted on good terms.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I’m not sure there was anything.

Marks out of 10?
8.5.

Would you meet again?
Yes.

Paul and Amanda ate at Caravelli in Loughborough. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com

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