Blind date: Distance shouldn't stand in the way of love I did have to catch the last train home though'

"What were you hoping for? A lovely evening with pleasant company. First impressions? Eddie looked much younger and fitter than I had expected. He had bought me flowers and a thoughtful card which helped break the ice. What did you talk about? Politics. His interest in animal rights and protests. My interests in golf and volunteering. Everything! Most awkward moment? None. Good table manners? Excellent. Best thing about Eddie? His openness to other views."

"Although he has strong opinions on politics and animal rights, he was willing to accept different points of view. He was very thoughtful, kind and caring. Q&A Show 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."

"What questions will I be asked? We ask about age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests and the type of person you are looking to meet. If you do not think these questions cover everything you would like to know, tell us what's on your mind. Can I choose who I match with? No, it's a blind date! But we do ask you a bit about your interests, preferences, etc the more you tell us, the better the match is likely to be."

"How should I answer? Honestly but respectfully. Be mindful of how it will read to your date, and that Blind date reaches a large audience, in print and online. 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"

A blind date format pairs two strangers for dinner and drinks, then answers a set of questions afterward. The experience includes first impressions, conversation topics, awkward moments, table manners, and what stands out about the other person. The questions cover age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests, and the type of person someone wants to meet. Participants cannot choose their match or their photograph, and personal details shown include first name, job, and age. Answers should be honest but respectful, and responses may be edited for length or other reasons. The goal is to help people find a good match, with the possibility of marriage and babies.

Read at www.theguardian.com