Emma and Matthew recently participated in a blind date featured in The Guardian’s Saturday magazine column. This salon series has been bringing together cultural outsiders over dinner and drinks since 2009. Their meeting took place at the Blackfriars Restaurant in Newcastle. The camaraderie created an intimate, friendly, open environment and inspiring environment punctuated by questions, discussion and expressions of enthusiasm.
As Matthew recalls, Emma was smart, thoughtful, generous and self-aware. Her fierce articulation of her beliefs won Matthew over with her conviction and principled approach to life. She is enormously well-read and seems genuinely interested in people and their wellbeing. This strikes a chord with Matthew as he embodies those same values. He complimented Emma’s poise and ability to keep everyone on track. From her very presence—she is a magical and soothing spirit—the atmosphere she created calmed and soothed him deeply that night.
From the get-go, Emma’s confident presence and sunny disposition established an inviting vibe. She did need to catch a train that very evening, but she was present with them, energetic, passionate and inspiring. With this direction, Matthew was able to share more personal experiences. He painted a picture of himself as “very reserved, very shy, very family-oriented,” which was different from Emma’s outgoing personality.
The two immediately bonded over their deep interests, especially with film. Emma surprised Matthew with her knowledge of his favorite movie, “Manon des Sources,” a French film that showcases her well-rounded character and cultural awareness. This little touch played a big role in deepening their connection, Notten explained, as both men traded stories about their families and journeys.
Matthew also posts stunning tales of his international adventures. He is fluent in Italian and has spent extensive time on the ground in countries such as Italy and Poland. His lived experiences painted their discussion in vivid colors as he shared both the struggles and joys of life across cultures. Emma hung on every word, reveling in the depth of his stories.
In sum, the evening turned out to be a lively adventure through creative psyches. Matthew told me that he, although he was initially nervous, Emma made him feel at ease, and this resulted in an honest sharing of ideas and anecdotes. Their time together exemplified the purpose of the blind date series: bringing together individuals who may not otherwise meet and fostering meaningful connections.