Blind Date
She was shocked that I had never used a dating app
He’s a bit polished for me — like a man from Love Island
SOPHIE, 24
VITAL STATISTICS
SINGLE, no kids.
CURRENT ROLE
SOCIAL media journalist.
WOULD LIKE TO MEET
SOMEONE who’s kind, funny, ambitious and wants to see the world.
RELATIONSHIP HISTORY?
I’ve been single for a few months but like a lot of london singles, I’ve just had too many situationships.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
Yes, this was the first time I’ve gone on a date knowing absolutely nothing about the person I’m meeting. But I’ve got dating app burnout, so I was also just excited to see what might happen.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
tAYlor’s good- looking, although maybe a little too polished for my taste. he’s attractive in a very conventional sense, from his fashion to his immaculate hair and teeth. dare I say he was a bit love Island, which is not really my type. that said, I could immediately tell he was a lovely guy.
EASY TO TALK TO?
We both have careers in social media so we chatted about work, which, on reflection, isn’t always the best date chat. We spoke about our love of travelling, too. I’m planning a trip to vietnam and was in Bali last year, so I gave him tips as he’s hoping to go there soon. overall, conversation was friendly and comfortable, but it was quite surface level — we never got very deep or romantic.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
I reAlIsed afterwards I had a tiny bit of pasta sauce on my chin for goodness knows how long, which was mortifying.
DID SPARKS FLY?
there wasn’t much of a spark and we friend-zoned one another quite quickly, I think. It was all about the work chat, no flirting or banter on either side.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET AGAIN?
sAdlY, no. he’s perfectly sweet but there was nothing there.
WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?
I hAve no idea what he thought, which is unusual as you can usually get a vibe. Possibly I couldn’t read him as he’s so different to the sort of men I usually date. I worry sometimes I come across as too serious on dates, so I don’t think I was his type, either.
WOULD YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS LIKE HIM?
theY’d like him, but my friends especially would know he wasn’t for me.
TAYLOR, 22
VITAL STATISTICS
SINGLE for a few months.
CURRENT ROLE
DIGITAL agency founder.
WOULD LIKE TO MEET
A BEAUTIFUL girl, who’s driven, independent, kind and genuine.
RELATIONSHIP HISTORY
I’ve had two serious relationships, both lasting a couple of years, and in between I’ve dated girls for a few months, but nothing serious.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
I don’t even use dating apps, so I was nervous meeting a total stranger. I like to make an effort so wore black trousers with a t- shirt tucked in and a cashmere sweater over the shoulders.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
I stood up to give sophie a hug and initially thought she wasn’t my type, but was a pretty girl and very sweet. I’m usually attracted to petite blondes but I liked her positive vibes. I felt confident I’d enjoy her company.
EASY TO TALK TO?
At fIrst, it felt a bit awkward as we fired questions at each other. But then, we got really engaged in each other’s work and plans for travelling. I felt she was shocked I’d never used a dating app and we had a revealing chat about how people approach dating today. I enjoyed getting a female perspective.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
nothIng, thankfully.
DID SPARKS FLY?
It felt like lunch with a friend — there was no chemistry. We didn’t swap details and parted with a hug, wishing each other the best.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET AGAIN?
I’d meet sophie on a platonic level as she’s a lovely girl.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?
I thInk we both felt comfortable and seemed to enjoy the date, but I got no sense of flirtation.
WOULD YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS LIKE HER?
she’d get on well with my sisters as she’s passionate about her career and knows what she wants, like them. My parents can get involved with my sisters’ love life, but I’m quite private, so they know I’d only introduce a girl to them if she was important to me.