Blind date
Every week, we send a couple out on a blind date and report back. This time, Luke Prior, 31, had lunch at The Mantl in Knightsbridge, London, with victoria davies, 32.
Luke, a landscape gardener, lives in rusper, West Sussex. victoria is a part-time writer and works in the public sector. She lives in Godalming, Surrey. Luke is divorced, while victoria has never been married.
VICTORIA, 32, SAYS:
I HOPED that when I arrived, I’d have time to freshen up — but Luke was already at the table waiting. I was shiny and a bit sticky, thanks to the August heat. Fortunately, he didn’t seem to notice. Luke stood up to greet me, which was a sweet gesture, and kissed me on each cheek, which I liked.
even though I was very nervous, the conversation was lively — more from me than Luke. Sorry, Luke, I do talk a lot! He complimented me on my sense of humour. It can be a bit dry, but he found it amusing.
After lunch, he suggested a walk in Hyde Park. If I hadn’t been enjoying myself, I would have made my excuses and left. As it was, I felt enough at ease to slip off my heels and pop on a pair of flats. It was then I realised just how tall Luke is at 6ft 2in — I’m 5ft 6in.
I was in a nine-year relationship from the age of 20, until we mutually agreed to separate. Since then, I’ve been on some dating websites, but they’re expensive and I don’t think they’re worth it.
One guy clearly expected me to stay over on the third date, inviting me to his house. After making it clear that I wasn’t staying, I offered to call my dad to pick me up. He insisted on driving me home instead — and, on the way, it became apparent he wasn’t happy about how close I am to my father.
yes, I’m a daddy’s girl. We live together, along with my brother and his fiancee. dad is very protective of me. While I don’t think any man can take his place in my heart, there is definitely room for the right chap.
WHEN you hit 30, at times it can feel like the dating clock is ticking. I am the second oldest of five and the only one not yet married or engaged.
Trying to find someone is a full-time preoccupation, though. At the moment, I go to work, get home and walk my dogs. I need to be more proactive to meet people. But I’m my own worst critic: I don’t brim with confidence. I like my eyes and have slender wrists and hands, but, when I look in the mirror, I see a fat, average-looking woman.
I’m not obsessed with clothes, make-up or reality stars. The dress I wore for the date was a really unusual purchase for me.
A friend urged me to apply, as she’d been on a blind date via the column. She had a good experience and I thought: ‘Well, why not? The worst thing that could happen is that I have a nice meal and get out of the house for a couple of hours.’ I want to find someone who is confident, but not cocky, who makes me laugh, is protective, but not smothering, likes animals, and is romantic (nothing ostentatious, but perhaps the odd surprise).
I honestly just want someone to come home to and be able to talk to so I’m not lonely any more.
While, for me, there wasn’t an immediate spark with Luke, I don’t go on those feelings any more. A spark doesn’t mean a great deal.
In the past, relationships based on that feeling haven’t worked out, so I always give someone the benefit of at least three dates.
Whenever I’ve been on a first date, it’s usually their eyes that have attracted my attention, and Luke has lovely eyes. It was a good experience, and he checked in on me to make sure I got home safely, which was kind. I gave him my number: I’ll be interested to see if he wants to meet again. LIKED? We got on well and there were no awkward moments. REGRETS? None — I’m really glad my friend suggested I take part! COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee. Verdict: 9/10
LUKE, 31, SAYS:
I Arrived first and was early. It then occurred to me to find a florist and buy some red roses. As victoria walked to the table, there was only one word that went through my mind: stunning!
She was wearing a lovely blue dress with high heels, and was touched by the flowers. I think her words were: ‘I’m so happy!’
She has a gluten intolerance and is vegetarian, so she had hummus, followed by vegetable skillets. I had lamb — I checked that she was OK about me eating meat in front of her and she said it was fine. It’s just as well, as it was the best lamb I’ve ever had.
VICTORIA is an easy person to open up to and talking to her was like chatting to someone I’d met before. I’d like to think we clicked with one another.
We’d arranged to meet for Saturday lunch and, as it was a sunny afternoon, I suggested we go for a walk afterwards.
While I enjoyed going to a lovely restaurant in Knightsbridge, I’m a country boy at heart and felt more at home walking through Hyde Park with her.
Trying to date isn’t easy, as I have commitments — I’ve recently launched a business and relocated to a new town.
Throughout most of my 20s, I lived in Charente in France. I could never really settle, because I was constantly flying back and forth to see my family. I’m happy to have had the experience, but I’m happier to be home.
I’ve been single for 18 months and I’m finding meeting people difficult. It doesn’t help that I’ve just moved to a town where I don’t know anyone. It was a friend in France who persuaded me to apply for this date. I’m very open-minded about women, and wouldn’t say I have a type, but, if I had to pick something, I’d say it is important for her to like nature.
I work outdoors and, in my spare time, I enjoy foraging and camping. victoria has never tried these before — but she didn’t flat out refuse to do them, either.
I was nervous about going on a blind date. I even had a haircut as a morale booster! I’d told only my mum and sister about it, and they were very positive about the whole thing — although they had a bit of a giggle at my expense.
I’d like to think there could be chemistry between us and I’d really like to see victoria again. LIKED? victoria seems kind and has a lovely aura about her. REGRETS? None. COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee. Verdict: 8/10
I’m a daddy’s girl, but there’s room in my life for Mr Right
Only one word sprung to mind . . . stunning!