Blind date: ‘Most awkward moment? When she squished an insect that was on my forehead’

on Holly

A bald man with facial hair in a white, blue and black check shirt.

What were you hoping for?
Really, just a fun night with minimal awkwardness was my fairly low expectation before the meeting.

First impressions?
A very positive, engaging lady with a beautiful smile.

What did you talk about?
Growing food, the joys of seeds, birdwatching, the failings of young people when it comes to proper raving, epigenetics and breaking generational cycles.

Most awkward moment?
Holly destroying an aphid, which had landed on my forehead, with a firm thumb squish. I should make clear that the poor aphid wasn't in the lovely restaurant; it was outside an entirely different place, which had hanging baskets.

Good table manners?
Impeccable.

Best thing about Holly?
Holly was incredibly easy to converse with. Her assured nature and wide range of interests meant she was a joy to be with.

Would you introduce Holly to your friends?
In a heartbeat.

Describe Holly in three words
Nuanced, sparkling, niche.

What do you think Holly made of you?
I reckon she was hugely impressed I could name every species of bird she had tattooed on her leg.

Did you go on somewhere?
Yes, a nearby pub then a little nightclub.

And … did you kiss?
Yes, we did.

If you could change one thing about the date, what would it be?
I would tone down my oversharing

Marks out of 10?
9.8.

Would you meet again?
I'm hugely looking forward to doing so.

A selfie of a man in a check shirt and woman with tattooed arms

on Graeme

A woman with a bob and round black glasses wearing a demim jacket over a grey T-shirt.

What were you hoping for?
To meet someone interesting and fun.

First impressions?
Warm, confident. Graeme quickly made me feel at ease.

What did you talk about?
Our mutual nerves about the evening. The joys of working outside. Forestry management for biodiversity. Rural living. The importance of dancing.

Most awkward moment?
I got overexcited about the menu and ordered quite a lot of food. We didn't need the extra salad.

Good table manners?
Excellent: he kept our glasses topped up and was open to sharing dishes.

Best thing about Graeme?
He's got a very curious mind and is a great listener.

Would you introduce Graeme to your friends?
He'd get along well with them.

Describe Graeme in three words
Warm, intelligent, open.

What do you think Graeme made of you?
I hope he thought I was easy to talk to.

Did you go on somewhere?
We did. We made the most of being in the city and sought out some music and dancing!

And … did you kiss?
Yes.

If you could change one thing about the date, what would it be?
Nothing – I had a really fun evening. Graeme is a lovely guy who is very easy to talk to and up for a laugh.

Marks out of 10?
A solid 8.

Would you meet again?
We live quite far apart, but we'll see …

Holly and Graeme ate at the Palmerston in Edinburgh. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com

Original source Blind date: ‘Most awkward moment? When she squished an insect that was on my forehead’

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