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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle

Blind date: ‘His ex-wife had booked the same restaurant for her book group’

Peter and Linda

Peter on Linda

What were you hoping for?
A relaxed and interesting time with someone who wasn’t going to take themselves too seriously.

First impressions?
Friendly, confident, talkative, polite and very interesting.

What did you talk about?
Mutual acquaintances, despite living so far apart. Families. Lots of politics.

Most awkward moment?
Explaining that my ex-wife had unknowingly made a reservation with her book group at the same restaurant. (She graciously moved her booking elsewhere.)

Good table manners?
Impeccable. She was reluctant to try my sticky chicken with her fingers, but soon relented and we both enjoyed it.

Best thing about Linda?
She is very intelligent, with a very impressive professional history.

Would you introduce Linda to your friends?
Absolutely, although some need no introduction as, surprisingly, it turned out she already knew a couple of them.

Describe Linda in three words
Intelligent, political, confident.

What do you think Linda made of you?
I’m not sure. We got on well but I doubt I was the connection she was hoping for.

Did you go on somewhere?
We went for a walk and had a final drink before she had to get her train.

And ... did you kiss?
We did not.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
The whole thing was very enjoyable and friendly but I’m not sure there was a romantic connection from either side.

Marks out of 10?
A solid, friendly 8.

Would you meet again?
We live two hours apart but agreed to meet halfway. I did not sense in Linda a desire for a romantic relationship. But we’ve been in touch since, so who knows?

Linda on Peter

What were you hoping for?
To have a fun afternoon, find someone who enjoys some of the things I enjoy, and see where it leads.

First impressions?
I saw Peter arrive and guessed he was my date. He was assured and friendly and gave me a hug.

What did you talk about?
Travel. Children. Dating. Corbyn. Thatcher. The general election. Friends in common. Liverpool. Work. Living alone. Films. Football.

Most awkward moment?
When he told me his ex-wife had booked a table in the restaurant at the same time. Thankfully, they came to an arrangement.

Good table manners?
Excellent. He managed the sticky chicken wings with ease.

Best thing about Peter?
Easy to talk to and up for a good time.

Would you introduce Peter to your friends?
Yes, I think they’d like him.

Describe Peter in three words
Warm, good listener, confident.

What do you think Peter made of you?
I think he enjoyed our time, although he wasn’t keen on my white trainers!

Did you go on somewhere?
Yes, we went to a bar at Albert Dock for another drink and more chat.

And … did you kiss?
No, but there were some hugs.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
To have been a bit more relaxed from the start. I could then have eaten more of the lovely food.

Marks out of 10?
8.

Would you meet again?
We said we would …

Linda and Peter ate at Salt House Bacaro, Liverpool. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com

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