Blind date in Sydney: ‘I thought I was a huge Taylor Swift fan, but Todd out-Swiftied me!

Todd, 30, an operations manager, meets Alicia, 25, a lawyer.

Todd on Alicia
Todd
What were you hoping for?
I went in with an open mind and no specific expectations, but I was hoping to find someone with the same kind of zest for life as me.

First impressions?
Very friendly and incredibly easy to talk to.

What did you talk about?
Work. Travel. Interests. And, of course, Taylor Swift.

Most awkward moment?
Without being mean, probably the unfortunate moment that Alicia nearly got eaten by an escalator.

Good table manners?
Excellent.

Best thing about Alicia?
Alicia had a real ability to keep the conversation flowing. She was really engaged and asked me some great questions.

Would you introduce Alicia to your friends?
Definitely!

Describe Alicia in three words?
Friendly, smart, intriguing.

What do you think Alicia made of you?
I really hope she thought I was at least nice and fun to be around.

Did you go on somewhere?
No, we stuck to the first location for the entire evening.

And … did you kiss?
No.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing – everything was great.

Marks out of 10?
8.

Would you meet again?
Probably not. There weren’t any romantic feelings from my end, sadly.

First impressions?
Todd was already in the restaurant waiting for me, which was a huge relief, and he looked pleased to see me, which was a bonus.

What did you talk about?
Our work, families, and Todd out-Swiftied me! And I thought I was a huge Taylor Swift fan …

Most awkward moment?
I almost got away unscathed, then my dress got chewed up by the escalator.

Good table manners?
I’m sure they were superb – but I was way too focused on how to go about eating dumplings daintily.

Best thing about Todd?
He was quick to jump in to fill the awkward silences, which I was extremely grateful for!

Would you introduce Todd to your friends?
Of course.

Describe Todd in three words.
Adventurous, cheerful, genuine.

What do you think Todd made of you?
I came straight from work so my arrival was a little chaotic. It was my last day before taking leave – I think he was a little jealous.

Did you go on somewhere?
We walked to the train station together.

And … did you kiss?
Just a hug goodbye.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?

I wish we had talked less about my job. There are so many other things I could have asked Todd about.

Marks out of 10?
8. I was so anxious but Todd made me feel at ease – I couldn’t have asked for more from a blind date.

Would you meet again?
Who knows, we might bump into each other at the Eras Tour.

Alicia and Todd ate at Rekodo restaurant and vinyl bar in Barangaroo, Sydney. Fancy a blind date? Complete the form here (Australia only) or email blind.date@theguardian.com

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