Dating stories, Blind Date reviews, books, relationships, LGBTQ stuff and the terrifying awkwardness of being alive in the 21st century

Who are you? I’m a freelance writer and author, and one of the things I do is write under the name of The Guyliner – which began on this very blog, back in June 2010. 2010, wow. God. Why do y…

Nov 2, 2024 · Will the first date of November give us something to remember? Only one way to find out. Ducking for apples this week are Alan, 33, a marketing manager and on the left, and Robert, 30, who is a doctor and, obviously, on the right.

5 days ago · This week’s lovestruck strangers are Holly, 42, an NHS service manager, and Johnny, 45, a product manager, both of whom look a little like PSHE teachers you would definitely feel comfortable coming out to – but they would probably make you do a chorus or two of ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ before the end of the little chat.

I am obsessed by the Guardian’s incredible Blind Date column, which I pretend I loathe but obviously I love it.Aren’t you? Don’t you? Why ever not? Anyway, for reasons nobody can quite understand, I review the answers the participants give, and blog it for your delectation every Saturday morning, unless I’m having the day off, which is RARE.

I’ve written four novels so far, with a fifth due in 2025. My first book deal, in 2017, was with Little, Brown and produced two novels, comedies (more or less): The Last Romeo (2018), and The Magnificent Sons (2020). In 2021, I collaborated with Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing on his fun memoir I Can Explain.It’s good!

Sep 28, 2024 · I will be very honest with you, I am a little too browned off about Maggie Smith dying to be of much use to anyone this morning but then I thought what better tribute to an icon and a legend than t…

Jun 5, 2021 · If you want to support my work and help the website keep running, you can either buy my books, or No subscription or obligation, the blog remains free. About the review and the daters:The comments I make are based on answers given by participants.The Guardian chooses what to publish and usually edits answers to make the column work better on the page.

May 4, 2024 · Today, Scott and Maria, who look like they’re working the reception of a halls of residence and are about to show your first-born to the charmless cell they’ll spend their first year stressing, frotting, and doing mushrooms in. Scott is a 26-year-old teacher and Maria is 30 and a freelance graphic designer.

Jan 27, 2024 · It’s the 300th of January, you’ve decided the fairy lights on your balcony – in your new-build flat overlooking a Kwik Fit next to a dual carriageway – might as well become a year-round feature, and there is no such thing as good news.