Blind date

Naomi on John First impressions? Genial, portly, with an impressive shock of silver hair, which I couldn't help noting could have been more flatteringly styled. Hope I didn't offend by actually mentioning this later on. What did you talk about? The conversation did not flag for a full three hours. Any awkward moments? No. Good table manners? Impeccable. Best thing about him? Good-humoured, pleasantly self-deprecating and generous, ferreting in his wallet for an extra tip when I found I'd shelled out nearly all my change at the station car park. Did you go on somewhere? Yes, all the way to the station. Marks out of 10? A congenial date but I wouldn't see us sustaining a full-on relationship: 6.5. Would you meet again? A very nice man, but not likely to become an addition to my circle of friends. John on Naomi First impressions? I knew it wasn't to be love at first sight. We look so wildly different. She looked like a radical intellectual "bluestocking", which I admire. I don't think either of us wanted to jump the other's bones, though… which is OK. What did you talk about? Our histories, house prices and the areas we lived in, sexuality, education, how impressive the loos were, feminist linguistics. Any awkward moments? Not one. Good table manners? Neither of us spilled our food on our clothes, which for me was an achievement. Best thing about her? Her drive to make the world a better place – great to see the spirit of '68 still alive. Did you go on somewhere? I walked her to the station. I think both of us realised it wasn't a magical "hit by lightning" thing. Marks out of 10? 10! Would you meet again? Not as a romantic item, no. • John and Naomi ate at Sanctum Soho , London W1. Fancy a blind date? Email: [email protected]