Blind date: He tried to make a joke about reading, but I hadn't heard of the books, so it fell completely flat'

"What were you hoping for? A fun evening, a free meal, a story and the fun of appearing in the Guardian. But deep down, to meet someone that I really want to be with. First impressions? Nice-looking, a bit nervous. What did you talk about? His birdwatching in Northern Ireland. University. Jobs. Friends and family. Most awkward moment? He tried to make a joke about reading Atomic Habits and The Diary of a CEO, which fell completely flat. Partly my fault as I hadn't heard of the books so didn't get the joke at all."

"Q&AShow Blind 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."

"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."

Blind Date pairs two strangers for dinner and drinks and then publishes their post-date Q&A and a photograph. Participants provide first name, age, job, location, hobbies, interests and the type of person they seek. Matches are blind; applicants cannot choose their match or photograph. Submissions may be edited for length or clarity and staff may request additional details. Participants are asked to answer honestly but respectfully and to consider a large readership. The column runs weekly in the Saturday magazine and online across the UK and primarily attracts London applicants but welcomes people living elsewhere in the UK.

Read at www.theguardian.com