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 …

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 …

2 days ago · Time was, I would review this Blind Date column every week, but nowadays it’s very rare for me to do two weeks in a row. Time gets away from me, my brain doesn’t work on …

Feb 1, 2025 · 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 …

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 …

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 …

Jun 24, 2023 · I’m so pleased you reviewed this date, what a sweet pair. And echoing everyone else who will greatly miss your reviews if/when you stop, although I’ve kept creative projects …

More about my Guardian Blind Date reviews below. To find out more about me, you should be here. What is Table Manners? Impeccable. I am obsessed by the Guardian’s incredible Blind …

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 …