What is Date Lab?

Date Lab is a matchmaking experiment that was first launched by The Washington Post Magazine in 2006. Here's how it works: We search our database of thousands of Washington, D.C.-area singles until we find a pair with romance potential. Then we send them out on a blind date on our dime and write about what happened. Sometimes it's a hit (we've had a few Date Lab marriages), sometimes it's a miss, but we're always trying to set up a couple that we think will connect. You can also read the Date Lab archives, follow us on Twitter and join us on Facebook.

How do I apply?

Just fill out the application below. Write as much or as little as you'd like, but keep in mind that the more we know (and the more honest you are), the better we can do matching you up. You'll also need to upload current photos of yourself.

To participate in Date Lab, you have to be at least 21 years old and a resident of the Washington, D.C. area. And you must agree to have your full name, age and photograph published.

Please note: Unless we've indicated otherwise, we may print anything you write on the application. You won't be able to declare any answer from this questionnaire off the record or change your answers after submitting the form.

Full name: *

Date of birth — You must be at least 21 to participate
[not for publication, though we will print your age.]: *

Height [not for publication, but please be honest,
we want to make a good match]: *

Phone number [not for publication]: *

Email address [not for publication, and it'd be best if you don't use your work e-mail, as spam filters tend to eat our messages to you.]: *

Neighborhood:

City: *

State: *

In six words or less, tell us your occupation: *

Rarely is someone living in D.C. actually from D.C.
So how long have you been here?

Where are you from originally?

If you are only in DC for a set, temporary period (because of, say, an internship, fellowship, summer break, etc.) when will you be leaving? (We need a date, please.)

You are: *
MaleFemale

Marital status: *
Never MarriedDivorcedSeparatedWidowed

Whom do you date? *
Only menOnly womenI like 'em both

Do you:

Smoke? YesNo

Details:

Drink? YesNo

Details:

Work out? YesNo

Details:

Attend religious services? YesNo

Details:

Own a car? YesNo

Details:

Eat meat? YesNo

Details:

Have pets? YesNo

If so, what kind?

Weird questions meant to teach us something about you

Quick — what's the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?

What's the last book you read?

What's the last song you couldn't get out of your head?

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?

You took a three-hour tour with some friends, and now you're stranded on this island.

Which three foods do you wish you'd remembered to pack?

Which three DVDs?

Which three people do you wish you had along?

Imagine your dating history is being turned into a TV show. Pitch it to us.

What's the first drink you'd order in a bar?

What are the chances you'd then start talking to the stranger next to you and end up making a new friend?

What's the first thing people notice when they walk into your home?

When are you happiest?

In what ways would you say you are very D.C.?

In what ways aren't you?

Think about the last couple of people you dated (and, yes, "only once" counts). How/where did you meet those people?

C'mon, brag a little: What makes you a good catch?

Vaguely embarrassing questions about who you date

So, what's your type? (And don't tell us you don't have one — that's such a cop-out.)

What's his/her theme song? You know, the one set off in your head when you see 'em?

Most singletons say they want to meet someone funny. But what's your idea of funny?

Pie-in-the-sky time: In your wildest dreams, whom (or what kind of person) would you like to date? An anthropologist who makes a mean paella? An actress/humanitarian who flies her own plane? Jack from "Lost"? Don't hold back.

Imagine your date writes you that s/he is "equally comfortable in jeans or in formal attire." Your reaction?

What was your best date ever?

What was your worst?

What hobbies/interests/outlooks/passions would you hope to share with your date?

In what ways would you hope s/he differs from you?

What's the worst reason you've ever broken up with someone? (We're all seriously petty at times.)

In your world, what features or characteristics would normally rule someone out as a dating possibility?

For a dinner date early in the week, which neighborhoods are most convenient to you (for example, those close to where you live or work)? Any favorite restaurants or types of food? Allergies or dislikes? No guarantees, but we will take this info into consideration.

Getting the last word

Now one last question for you. (You knew we had to ask.) Have you ever been convicted of a crime or accused of domestic violence?

YesNo

If so, please explain. [Not for publication]

Now the photos:

Find at least one and no more than 3 to send us

[ Don't try to send more than one photo if you are on a slow Internet connection. ]

Photo 1:

Caption [Tell us who is in Photo 1, left to right, and anything else important]:

Photo 2:

Caption [Tell us who is in Photo 2, left to right, and anything else important]:

Photo 3:

Caption [Tell us who is in Photo 3, left to right, and anything else important]:

[ IMPORTANT!! Each photo can be no larger than 1MB, must be at least 200 pixels wide and 200 pixels tall, should have you in it and must be a JPEG-formatted photo (this is by default what most digital cameras produce). We'll test it after you click the All done button below and if it's not right, we'll complain and insist you try again. ]

Thanks! Hit the "All done" button below to send us the questionnaire and your photos.

Questions? Problems with this? E-mail datelab@washpost.com