Shahar on Stephen
What were you hoping for?
I’d never been on a blind date, so a good story, and a new connection.
First impressions?
Kind, a bit nervous. Very engaged, but kind of in awe of the situation.
What did you talk about?
Our careers in design. Music. What we like to cook. Artwork and posters we own. His extensive cap collection. Films (lots of movies I need to add to my watchlist).
Most awkward moment?
He asked me if my disco ball tattoo was an onion.
Good table manners?
Excellent. At one point, talking to the waiter, he referred to me as “the lady”, which we had a good laugh about.
Best thing about Stephen?
He was really engaged, easy to talk to, made me laugh – and very generous with compliments. He’s good at leading the conversation, but also at recollecting details and circling back.
Would you introduce Stephen to your friends?
After a while, yeah. It’s quite a compliment, introducing someone to your circle – gotta earn that trust!
Describe Stephen in three words
Thoughtful, authentic, curious.
What do you think he made of you?
I hope he thought I was funny. I did make him laugh quite a few times.
Did you go on somewhere?
We spent four hours over dinner and it was a Sunday, so we called it a night.
And … did you kiss?
We did not.
If you could change one thing about the date, what would it be?
I wish I’d come across as slightly more curious and not drawn a blank about recent albums I liked. Also, I wish I’d had more room to finish dessert!
Marks out of 10?
8 (8.5 really, but I’m honouring Stephen’s dislike of .5 ratings).
Would you meet again?
We did chat about maybe going to a gig or the cinema.
Stephen on Shahar
What were you hoping for?
Some cute flirting with someone my judgmental female friends would approve of.
First impressions?
Gorgeous hair, an American accent.
What did you talk about?
We compared graphics, recent albums, films and cinema etiquette. Then moved on to how fancy the venue was, our favourite things to cook, the perils of dating apps and the lost art of flirting.
Most awkward moment?
Nothing major. I did refer to Shahar as “the lady”, but only because the place was so fancy!
Good table manners?
Perfect, nothing spilled, many well-shared drinks and plates.
Best thing about Shahar?
I admired her passion and approach to design – and again, great hair!
Would you introduce Shahar to your friends?
I reckon they’d yap up a storm.
Describe Shahar in three words
Elegant, chatty, curly.
What do you think she made of you?
A film nerd with a large hat collection.
Did you go on somewhere?
I suggested another drink, but it was too late. To be fair, we did stay at the restaurant for almost five hours.
And … did you kiss?
The vibe didn’t lend itself to kissing, and that’s OK; there was lots to take in.
If you could change one thing about the date, what would it be?
Our seats being so far apart and not meeting on a school night.
Marks out of 10?
8 for the date. I couldn’t judge a person like that.
Would you meet again?
I gave her my number, so let’s see. There are lots of gigs and films we could watch.
Shahar and Stephen ate at Cooper’s Cut, London EC3. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
