In the Guardian Blind Date dating column, the British newspaper published a feature on the first date of two strangers: William, 28, a doctoral student, and Abigail, 24, a theatre artist. [1]
Column author Justin Myers uses the editorial space to promote his latest novel, The Glorious Dead, available at the discounted price of 99 pence on Amazon, Apple Books, and Bookshop.org. [1]
Asked what he wanted from the date, the male participant replied that he wanted 'love, obviously'. [1]
The column compares the couple’s dynamic with an underappreciated sequence from the film Love, Actually and a realistic prequel to Love, Actually. [1]
At first impression, William noted that Abigail looked very elegant and felt a luxury restaurant would have suited her better, while he felt he was underdressed. [1]
From the columnist’s perspective, William proved to be polite, gentle, and sweetly nervous, worried about being too casual with his attire, although he looked pleasant. [1]
The host returns to the topic of the footwear worn by the participants during the promotional photo shoot for the show. [1]
Conversation topics included admiration for actor Robert Pattinson, the theatre play Abigail is working on, and the unconventional activity of 'shucking oysters'. William noticed that Abigail had asked many questions, worrying that he had monopolised the conversation, while she had read his palm, concluding that he is not a good writer. [1]
Discussions covered stand-up comedy, socialism, and academia. A notable divide emerged: William’s disdain for contemporary British theatre versus Abigail’s fondness for it. [1]
Host Myers ironically comments on William’s disdain for contemporary theatre and his uncertainty regarding the process of cleaning oysters ('shucking'), suggesting it is best left unknown. He also jokes about Abigail’s questions and palm reading. [1]
The most awkward moment was deemed to be William admitting that he does not like theatre. [1]
The author criticises William’s choice to reveal this, suggesting he should have avoided negative commentary or asked more questions, likening it to a flawed approach to interviewing or social conversation. [1]
From Abigail’s perspective, the most awkward moment was William’s attempt to display an American accent at certain points during the conversation. [1]
Regarding table manners, Abigail characterised William’s behaviour as 'impeccable', noting that he was friendly and communicative with the restaurant staff. [1]
Myers references his previous use of the term 'impeccable' in 2014 to name his blog reviewing blind dates for the Guardian. [1]
Abigail also praises William’s ability to navigate the wine menu. [1]
The author mocks the combination of disdain for theatre and preference for wine, expressing surprise that the man does not attract eligible single women more massively. [1]
William considers Abigail’s best aspect to be her pleasant smile and good sense of humour, mentioning that they laughed a lot during the date. [1]
Myers ironically observes whether William laughed as much, even at things that weren’t funny. [1]
According to Abigail, William’s strong point is his wonderfully varied life, full of travel and extracurricular activities, considering it pleasant to know people who 'grab life by the horns'. [1]
The column plays with the metaphor 'have life by the horns', suggesting possible misinterpretations or wordplay. [1]
Myers clarifies the joke, saying it is a nice thing said and that he is glad the two got along well. [1]
William agrees that he could introduce her to his friends because many of them are performers and they would have plenty to discuss with her. [1]
The host speculates that this could have created tension with William’s unpaid, frustrated friends, who would constantly discuss the industry and others’ success, comparing them to people separating cocaine on kitchen tables before quickly leaving. [1]
Abigail would consider introducing William to her friends but is hesitant because he stated he loves to lie to strangers, which puts women on guard. [1]
Myers jokes by referencing William’s parents (Bull Terriers) and the need for 'PAWS' (paw/dad) to accept this, although Abigail, being a theatre fan, might love liars. [1]
William describes Abigail in three words: fun, kind-hearted, and authentic. [1]
The author satirises William’s description with an absurd metaphor about a nun collecting donations for a Chris Brown concert and hiding money in a go-go dancer’s t-shirt. [1]
Abigail describes William with three adjectives: charming, sly, and kind. [1]
Myers interprets these traits through ironic comparisons, referencing Eliza Doolittle, a highwayman who asks for valuables in a Whole Foods bag, and Amy Adams. [1]
The two did not go anywhere after dinner. They stayed at the restaurant until closing time, after which Abigail walked William to King's Cross station to catch his train back to Cambridge. [1]
Myers highlights the irony of a one-and-a-half-hour walk (52 minutes effectively) from the restaurant to King's Cross station, suggesting this gesture indicates significant physical attraction. [1]
Regarding the question of whether they went further, William declares 'I don’t kiss and tell'. [1]
Participants gave ratings of 9/10 and 7/10. The host mocks their mathematical ability, comparing them to school results in fractions. [1]
William appears open to a future meeting, mentioning that they exchanged phone numbers. [1]
Abigail is cautious, saying that his life trajectory seems a bit unstable, but admits that he holds her number if he wants to try his luck. [1]
Myers ends with a joke targeting the participants’ hands. [1]
A notification reminding that the novel The Glorious Dead is available at the discounted price of 99 pence throughout November, recommending it to those looking to buy gifts or even to William himself. [1]
Standard column menu: link to the new column 'The Myers Match', library of past novels, newsletter, and the author’s social media profiles (Instagram, Bluesky, TikTok). [1]
Author’s final note before the comments section. [1]
Disclaimer: Comments are based on participants’ responses. The Guardian selects and edits responses to fit the page. Most comments are improvisations, not judgments on the daters. Reader quotes must be kind. [1]
The restaurant where they dined was Kobe, located in the West End (London W1). Interested parties can send emails to the specified address. [1]
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