I sensed it would be an uphill struggle for her to impress me

RELATIONSHIP HISTORY?

I’ve been single for a while but rarely use dating apps as I like to meet people in person or through friends. I’ve had a few relationships lasting a couple of years, but would like to settle down now.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

I’ve never been on a blind date, but I was looking forward to it. I don’t usually get nervous — I was even on The Apprentice. I dressed up smartly in a checked suit.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KEMI arrived first and we greeted each other warmly. I sensed it was going to be an uphill struggle for me to be impressed, though, as I could tell she wasn’t my type. I just didn’t get an immediate feeling of attraction.

But I really noticed her eyes. Although she speaks very quietly, her eyes are so expressive, which I found really interesting.

EASY TO TALK TO?

IT WAS fine at the beginning as I find it easy to chat to people, but whether I want to continue is another story.

we don’t have much in common, although we had a running joke about the way we saw and phrased things. I kept saying, ‘Back in the day’ and she kept laughing, asking if I was really old. she then started saying, ‘way back then’ which was funny.

But we don’t have many similar experiences, we don’t share any hobbies and our energies are quite different. I’m more energetic.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

No, I don’t think so.

DID SPARKS FLY?

NOT for me, and I think we both felt that very early on. she’s cool, but there was no spark in personality or attraction. we were perfectly civil, but I wouldn’t even say we could carry on as friends.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET AGAIN?

PROBABLY not. she’s a lovely girl but not my type of person. of course, I’m not everyone’s cup of tea either. we just had different vibes.

WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?

I THINK she thought I was an OK person, but she didn’t fancy me. we couldn’t find a connection of any kind.

WOULD YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS LIKE HER?

she’s likeable and my family would embrace anyone, but we’re so different I’m not sure we’d fit in each other’s friend groups.

Interviews: ALANA KIRK