Blind date: ‘He said: “If heaven is real, you’ll definitely be going there”, which might be the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me’

Nelson, 41, who works in legal services, meets Louise, 37, who works in marketing

What were you hoping for? Great company and wonderful conversation.

First impressions? Louise is such a sweet, sincere person. With very interesting hobbies!

What did you talk about? All sorts of funny things, from feeding monkeys to the worst theatre shows and wooden toys.

Most awkward moment? When we met, I wanted to greet her with a friendly hug but she was seated and had to get up.

Good table manners? Impeccable, and she had amazing taco-eating skills.

Best thing about Louise? She will laugh and think I’m taking the mick but I’m not: her dedication to the things she loves. So admirable! Passion and commitment. It’s infectious.

Would you introduce Louise to your friends? Yes.

Describe Louise in three words Energetic, passionate, excellent conversationalist (four I know!).

What do you think Louise made of you? An oddball with similar interests?

Did you go on somewhere? It was a work night so we remained sensible.

And … did you kiss? It was a work night.

If you could change one thing about the date, what would it be? I wouldn’t change a thing! It was a very pleasant date overall.

Marks out of 10? 9 out of 10. A really pleasant evening!

What were you hoping for? Fun conversation with an interesting person and to discover a new restaurant.

First impressions? A gentleman, very polite, laughs very loudly (in a good way).

What did you talk about? London zoo volunteering – a typical day. Nelson growing up in Singapore. Covid – how I was in Singapore and Bali just as it started kicking off. Theatre shows we’ve been to – how perfect Oliver! is (this was mainly me). How we both go and see all the Oscar-nominated films every awards season. Nelson’s new startup.

Most awkward moment? The waitress thought a photographer would be joining us and we needed a table for three.

Good table manners? I was more conscious of my own, as I ate the tacos with my hands while he used cutlery.

Best thing about Nelson? He’s a very interesting and interested person – so many hobbies and passions. I liked that he shared my enthusiasm for all things cultural.

Would you introduce Nelson to your friends? Can’t think why not, he’s very interesting and sweet!

Describe Nelson in three words Perceptive, warm, bright.

What do you think Nelson made of you? He said: “If heaven is real, you’ll definitely be going there”, which might just be the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me. He also laughed very heartily all the way through so hopefully he thought I was funny.

Did you go on somewhere? No, but we were the last to leave on a Tuesday night, so pretty good going.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be? The pineapple/lime/cinnamon ice-cream was incredible, we should’ve got one each.

Marks out of 10? 8 (the date, not Nelson as a person!).

Would you meet again? I think as friends – maybe at the cinema as Oscar season is approaching!

Nelson and Louise ate at Mirtala, London W4. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com