Blind date: ‘She seemed to like me, but I’ve been wrong about this kind of thing before’

Composite: Gareth Iwan Jones & Mark Chilvers/The GuardianView image in fullscreen Composite: Gareth Iwan Jones & Mark Chilvers/The GuardianBlind date: ‘She seemed to like me, but I’ve been wrong about this kind of thing before’Philip, 74, an antiquarian book dealer, meets Carol, 66, who is retiredView image in fullscreenPhilip on CarolWhat were you hoping for? Reciprocated love at first sight (I don’t ask for much in this life). To meet a kindred spirit who might even become a partner.

First impressions? We were both incredibly early, but caught the other’s eye and smiled. It was a nice moment.

What did you talk about? Andy Burnham. Elvis Costello.

Dogs. U3A groups. Trains to Italy.

The deficiencies of dating apps. The pointlessness of shyness in later life.Most awkward moment?

There weren’t any. Carol sent her G&T flying, but that was just funny, not awkward.Good table manners?

Of course.Best thing about Carol? She’s fun to be with!

Would you introduce Carol to your friends? Oh yes, they’d like her.Q&AFancy a blind date?

ShowBlind date is Saturday’s dating column: every week, two strangers are paired up for dinner and drinks, and then spill the beans to us, answering a set of questions. This runs, with a photograph we take of each dater before the date, in Saturday magazine (in the UK) and online at theguardian.com every Saturday.

It’s been running since 2009 – you can read all about how we put it together here.What questions will I be asked?We ask about age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests and the type of person you are looking to meet.

If you do not think these questions cover everything you would like to know, tell us what’s on your mind.Can I choose who I match with?No, it’s a blind date!

But we do ask you a bit about your interests, preferences, etc – the more you tell us, the better the match is likely to be.Can I pick the photograph?No, but don't worry: we'll choose the nicest ones.

What personal details will appear?Your first name, job and age.How should I answer?

Honestly but respectfully. Be mindful of how it will read to your date, and that Blind date reaches a large audience, in print and online.Will I see the other person’s answers?

No. We may edit yours and theirs for a range of reasons, including length, and we may ask you for more details.Will you find me The One?

We’ll try! Marriage! Babies!

Can I do it in my home town?Only if it’s in the UK. Many of our applicants live in London, but we would love to hear from people living elsewhere.

How to applyEmail blind.date@theguardian.comDescribe Carol in three words Warm, accomplished, quirky (I loved the little streak of pink in her hair).

What do you think Carol made of you? I really don’t know, I’m not good at reading people. She seemed to like me, but I’ve been wrong about this kind of thing before.

Did you go on somewhere? We linked arms until the parting of the ways.If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?

I wouldn’t change a thing.And … did you kiss?

Not really, just a peck-on-the-cheek plus a hug.Marks out of 10? 9.

Would you meet again? Yes.View image in fullscreenView image in fullscreenCarol on PhilipWhat were you hoping for?

An enjoyable evening, a tasty meal and great conversation. Someone to take a genuine interest in me as an individual.First impressions?

He was smartly dressed, and had a kind face and a welcoming manner.What did you talk about? What life looks like as we get older.

Our different careers. Ian McKellen – he who can do no wrong in my view.Most awkward moment?

There were a few tiny missteps, but we took them in our stride.Good table manners? Excellent.

Philip checked if I would be OK if he ordered steak tartare as a starter, and he was happy for me to share his salad.Best thing about Philip? Interesting and good conversationalist.

Would you introduce Philip to your friends? I have a wide range of friends and he’d easily get along with some of them.Blind date: ‘Distance shouldn’t stand in the way of love …

I did have to catch the last train home though’Read moreDescribe Philip in three words Confident, curious, interesting.What do you think Philip made of you? I’d be happy with “easy to talk to”.

Did you go on somewhere? No. Engineering works on my train line limited options.

And … did you kiss? No.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be? Not sure I would change anything.Marks out of 10?

8.Would you meet again? We’ve swapped numbers.

Philip and Carol ate at Eataly London, EC2. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.

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