Blind date

I caught him looking at my cleavage a few times ... Bryoni certainly passed my teeth test!

RECENTLY, we told the stories of five single women who were fed up with being lonely on Valentine’s Day. In response, we were flooded with messages from men keen to meet our hopeful romantics — including Aaron Pewtner, who asked if he might take one of them, Bryoni Collins, 29, on a date.

Aaron, 31, works in insurance and lives in Ponthir, near Newport. He and mum-of-two Bryoni, a student paramedic from Cardiff, had dinner at Miller & Carter in Cardiff Bay. BRYONI, 29, SAYS: I WAs thrilled when a few men wrote in to the Mail to say they’d like to go on a date with me. I chose Aaron from his picture, as he had nice teeth and long hair and looked like fun. still, as I drove to the restaurant, I wondered what I was letting myself in for!

When I arrived, he was waiting outside for me, which was a relief, as I’d been worried about walking in alone. Aaron is tall and good-looking, with a ponytail and lovely teeth. He put me at ease by joking that we’d both worn our hair up for the occasion!

I was also relieved he looked just like his picture — so many times, I have turned up for a date and the person has looked nothing like I’ve been led to believe. But Aaron was attractive and, yes, I fancied him straight away. We chatted really easily and it wasn’t awkward at any point. I liked that he led the conversation and took charge a little.

I’ve been on a lot of dates where the man just sits there and I have to do all the work. I’ve even wondered if I can be a bit intimidating, so it was good to be with someone as self-assured as Aaron.

We talked about our families and a bit about past relationships, and had a giggle about his little dog, toby, who sounds sweet. I feel I know toby very well at this stage! THE waitress had to come back three times to take our order as we were chatting so much. Finally, Aaron took charge and ordered starters for us both — quite old-fashioned, but I enjoyed it. luckily, he checked with me first that I was happy with his choice.

During the meal, I caught him looking at my cleavage a couple of times and began to wonder if I should have worn such a low-cut top! I saw the funny side, especially when he realised I’d caught him looking — it felt good to be appreciated.

I’ve been single for nearly two years — juggling a seven-year-old and a two-year-old with being a full-time student means my love life has been non-existent.

I’d love to meet someone to have a serious relationship with, but I don’t have the lifestyle where I can go to bars or join clubs in the hope of meeting someone. I’m so busy! I feel a lot of my generation are the same way, so we leave it to dating apps, which aren’t the best.

I’m on good terms with my kids’ father, who does his share of childcare, so I do get time to myself.

As my date with Aaron went on, I was thinking more and more that I liked him and wanted to see him again, so when he walked me to my car and asked for my number, I didn’t hesitate. It was only afterwards that I realised how smooth he’d been — asking for my number on the pretext of making sure I got home OK.

He also asked me to take a selfie with him as a memento, which was funny. We had a kiss goodbye and have since been in touch by text. We don’t live that far from each other, so it has potential.

Despite the fact we probably don’t have a huge amount in common, I think this is a case of opposites attract — in fact, it was probably one of the best first dates I’ve ever been on. LIKED? His teeth and how he was very self-assured. REGRETS? None. COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee. Verdict: 9/10

AARON, 31, SAYS:

It WAs my dad who showed me Bryoni’s picture in the paper and I knew immediately that she was my type. I’m looking for a woman with ambition who has her head screwed on and I like attractive, slim girls with a good smile.

On paper, Bryoni ticked those boxes. I thought: Why not? I’ve nothing to lose and it can’t be worse than internet dating, which hasn’t got me anywhere. Most women I meet look nothing like their photo, and I haven’t had the best experience, so I decided to step out of my comfort zone.

When I first started dating, you would meet someone and ask them for a drink. Nowadays, you find someone online, follow them on Instagram and maybe meet in person eventually, but then they end up being quite different to their online presence.

so I was a little apprehensive before our date. But, when Bryoni arrived, she surpassed her picture. she is gorgeous and had on a red lace top with her hair up. I laughed because I’d tied my hair up, too.

I’m quite confident, and wanted to break the ice early, so I gave her a hug and a kiss, then opened the door for her — old-fashioned good manners are important. ALTHOUGH I’m quite chatty, I’ve learned that, on past dates, I have focused too much on myself, so I made sure I asked Bryoni questions and got to know her. At first, she was a bit nervous, so I took the lead, and, soon, we were relaxed.

I’ve been single for about a year after a three-year relationship and I’m ready to look for love again.

Having been in a relationship in the past with someone who had a child, it wouldn’t have been something I’d have chosen to do again — but Bryoni is clearly managing the stresses really well.

Her children’s dad is involved in their lives and she’s pursuing her ambitions. I’m impressed she’s training to become a paramedic.

We got on very well and it felt comfortable in a short space of time. We were flirting a bit and she caught me looking at her cleavage but, thankfully, she took it well!

she has a great figure and lovely teeth — that’s a big thing for me, as I can’t imagine wanting to kiss a woman with bad teeth, so Bryoni definitely passed that test!

At the end of the date, I walked her outside and asked for a selfie, which she was fine about. I’m into social media, posting videos and photos a lot, so I couldn’t be with someone who was camera-shy.

I used the excuse of making sure she’d got home OK to get her number and we’ve messaged a little. I’d really like to see her again. We could both have gone to Cardiff 50 times and never met, so I’m really glad that I decided to write in after seeing her article. LIKED? Her body, smile and sense of humour. REGRETS? None. I’m really grateful for the chance to meet Bryoni. COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee. Verdict: 9/10