Blind date: ‘I was hoping to meet a total babe. She was a...

Gráinne, 31, a software engineer and musician, meets Alexander, 34, a civil servant. What were you hoping for?. A giggle with someone I fancy!. First impressions?. I was quite nervous when I arrived but delighted to see a beautiful man waiting for me. Alexander greeted me with a cheeky grin and a hug.

Image Credit: the Guardian [Gráinne, a young woman with long dark hair, wearing jeans, a black polo neck and a striped cropped jacket]

What did you talk about?. We had a lot of laughs about how small the Guardian’s dating pool might be in Belfast, and the possibility of being set up with someone we already know. Most awkward moment?. As the date continued, an opportunity for dancing presented itself. I was eager but realised Alexander wanted to escape in favour of a calmer bar. (I reckon he couldn’t handle my moves.).

Image Credit: the Guardian [A selfie of Gráinne and Alexander on their date, in a room with a red drape on the ceiling]

Good table manners?. Excellent. He gave me the bigger half of the bao. He must have regretted this, because he then ordered another. Best thing about Alexander?. Oh, I was charmed by him. I think what struck me the most was his passion for his interests and excitement to share that with me.

Image Credit: the Guardian [Alexander, a young man with dark hair and stubble, wearing a white T-shirt, black jeans, boots and a brown jacket]

Would you introduce Alexander to your friends?. He hinted that he might bake for them. They should be so lucky. Describe Alexander in three words. Charming, warm and captivating. 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.

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. Can I pick the photograph?. No, but don't worry: we'll choose the nicest ones. What personal details will appear?.

Your first name, job and age. 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 UK. Many of our applicants live in London, but we would love to hear from people living elsewhere. How to apply. Email blind.date@theguardian.com. What do you think he made of you?.

I couldn’t tell if he was swooning at the food or me. I hope it’s the latter. Did you go on somewhere?. For a few more drinks and laughs. And … did you kiss?. He bashfully asked for permission first. Swoons. If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?.

I wouldn’t change anything, but the shy side of me wishes I could have met Alexander without going to the lengths of being in a national newspaper!. Marks out of 10?. Would you meet again?. We made a bet: whoever is quoted in the headline gets treated to dinner.

To meet a total babe. Gráinne was a total babe. We bonded over shared passions – vegetarianism, the outdoors and experimental music. I suggested that relatively few people read this column. Gráinne explained that maybe millions do. We needed our third cocktail after that.

Yes. I’ve never had a negroni before and she won me over to them. But also no – she tricked me into eating a chunk of wasabi and laughed at my surprised reaction. Best thing about Gráinne?. Gráinne has recorded a number of times for a Radio 3 programme I’ve liked since I was a teen. I was a bit starstruck.

Would you introduce Gráinne to your friends?. Oh, for sure, and they’d love her. I’d introduce her to my lovely rescue greyhound, too. I think we’d make quite the trio. Describe Gráinne in three words. Confident, stunning and enthralling. What do you think she made of you?.

I thought Gráinne was a treat – I hope she thinks the same of me. We spent hours chatting over a couple of drinks in a couple of bars until closing time. It was very sweet, to be honest. Oh, absolutely. Just to go back and do it again. I hope so as I’ve spent this morning thinking where to suggest we go!.