Joseph on Cole
What were you hoping for?
To meet someone new and have a nice meal.
First impressions?
He was cute – great hair – and better than I was expecting. I got lost so was a bit late and he was already there.
What did you talk about?
Differences between the UK and the US. Politics. Pubs. Favourite movies (Toy Story 2). University … He was really easy to talk to.
Any awkward moments?
Only that all the restaurant staff knew exactly why we were there.
Good table manners?
Yeah, I basically followed his lead.
Best thing about Cole?
Really easy to talk to, asked lots of questions and had really interesting things to say. He’s really smart, too.
Would you introduce Cole to your friends?
Yeah, if they behave themselves.
Describe Cole in three words.
Smart, American, sweet.
What do you think Cole made of you?
I hope I came across well – maybe even funny.
Did you go on somewhere?
We just walked around talking until we got to a tube station – I turned into a bit of a tour guide. It was the middle of the week so we both had to get home.
And ... did you kiss?
Just a little bit.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
More veggie options at the restaurant.
Marks out of 10?
A solid 8.
Would you meet again?
Hopefully. We talked about it and exchanged numbers.
Cole on Joseph
What were you hoping for?
A friendly face in an unfamiliar city. I’ll also admit to hoping to meet someone special.
First impressions?
He walked in two minutes late, which is a respectable time to arrive.
What did you talk about?
So much! Three hours talking to someone new is a long time and we made good use of it.
Any awkward moments?
My not-very-romantic questions about how to live in London, like, “Do you have a Travelcard or do you use pay-as-you-go?”. He laughed at me for those.
Good table manners?
I didn’t notice anything off.
Best thing about Joseph?
He’s unafraid to talk about what he’s passionate about.
Would you introduce Joseph to your friends?
Right now, no – I tend to be a little closed about these things. But after a few more dates, maybe.
Describe Joseph in three words.
Relaxing, smart and conversational.
What do you think Joseph made of you?
I like to think he enjoyed my company – it didn’t seem like he wanted the night to end, which is a good sign.
Did you go on somewhere?
A sweet night walk across Tower Bridge.
And ... did you kiss?
There was a small goodnight kiss on the train home. Just enough to catch everyone’s attention, but not enough for a show.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I would have taken my unfinished sides home from the restaurant.
Marks out of 10?
A well-earned 7.
Would you meet again?
I would.
Joseph and Cole ate at The Coal Shed, London SE1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
