Julia on Isabella
What were you hoping for?
I just moved to London from the US, so I wanted to meet a fun new person. Also my mom is a massive Blind Date fan, so I was kind of doing this for her, too.
First impressions?
Pretty and super friendly.
What did you talk about?
Books and writing. Legally Blonde. How brat our summers have been (not very). The upsides of walking, biking and cold-water swimming.
Most awkward moment?
I can’t think of much beyond the classic awkward dancing around who would get the last bites, as we shared all of our food.
Good table manners?
We agreed not to comment. (But yes.)
Best thing about Isabella?
She’s so smart and interested in so many things – chatting for three or four hours with her was easy and fun.
Would you introduce Isabella to your friends?
Definitely.
Describe Isabella in three words
Engaging, sparkly, ethicist.
What do you think Isabella made of you?
I think she had a similar experience to me – we were having fun but at a certain point we forgot that we were supposed to be on a date.
Did you go on somewhere?
Just to the tube station.
And … did you kiss?
No.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I would have attempted to make my hair behave better (an ongoing struggle for me) and maybe ordered less food.
Marks out of 10?
9.
Would you meet again?
I hope we will, but as friends.
Isabella on Julia
What were you hoping for?
An exciting story, good food, and a new connection.
First impressions?
Julia was bang on time and made me feel immediately comfortable.
What did you talk about?
Jia Tolentino. Zadie Smith. Bisexuality. Accents. Snake plants. Musicals. Ageing. Cold-water swimming. Brat summer.
Most awkward moment?
Nothing. As soon as she sat down, I felt comfortable.
Good table manners?
We agreed that neither of us has good table manners, and neither of us cared.
Best thing about Julia?
Fantastic listener.
Would you introduce Julia to your friends?
Yes, I think they would get on.
Describe Julia in three words
Charming, engaging, relaxed.
What do you think Julia made of you?
Initially: American. Then realised (disappointingly?) that I was not and that my accent was very misleading.
Did you go on somewhere?
Just to Baker Street so we could both get on the tube.
And … did you kiss?
Nope.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I wish we had bigger appetites so we could have finished the food.
Marks out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
We’ve swapped numbers and agreed to meet, but just as friends as neither of us felt “the spark”.
Julia and Isabella ate at Opso, London W1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
