‘He thought I used to be attempting to comply with him into the Gents loos’: Find out if it was a match on this week’s Blind Date
- Fancy a posh meal with an eligible singleton like you? Or would you like to play Cupid for someone else? Email your – or their – details and a photo to [email protected]
Every week, FEMAIL asks two singletons to report back from a blind date we’ve organised for them. Meet romantic Joyce, 22, who’s never had a boyfriend, and her date, Sankalp, 24, who has been single for six months.
Read on to find out if they wanted to see each other again after their date or did they decide they would just be good friends…
Joyce, 22
Very single – never had a boyfriend.
Dating past?
My dates usually end terribly because men are only after one thing. I want romance and I don’t want to be rushed.
Pre-date nerves?
Beforehand, I was freaking out. It’s the Cinderella moment for a woman, isn’t it? Will my match be my prince? Also, I’m 5ft 9in and will only date men over 6ft. While my date said he was 6ft, men do lie on their profiles.
Joyce, 22, felt rejected when Sankalp messaged her the day after their blind date to say he isn’t interested in a serious relationship right now
First impressions?
When he arrived, there was no hug or kiss, just a formal ‘hello’. Sankalp looked lovely in a navy blue shirt and it was obvious he’d had a haircut. I liked that he’d made an effort. I roped him into complimenting me by mentioning how much make-up I’d had to wear for the photoshoot. Bingo! He told me I looked lovely.
Easy to talk to?
Yes, I talked about my career goals and asked Sankalp about his. He wasn’t as clear as I am about his career direction, so I felt like I had to guide him a bit. It was a bit unattractive seeing this side of him. I felt like I was speaking to a student. As for the meal, Sankalp ordered two mains – shepherd’s pie and fish and chips – and ate the lot.
Embarrassing moments?
Yes, he told me he was 6ft but it was clear he’s a lot taller. I’d say 6ft 5in. It makes no sense for a man to lie by reducing his height. Also, we went to a museum after our date and Sankalp needed the loo on the way, so he ducked into a fast-food restaurant. I followed him in, just to see if there was somewhere to charge my phone, and he told me firmly to wait by the Gents door. To be clear, I wasn’t following him into the loos.
Did sparks fly?
Yes, but not in a romantic way. There was no sexual tension or chemistry. But then, I don’t give men the come-on, I like them to make the first move. You don’t want to seem desperate, do you?
I went in for a hug to say goodbye but Sankalp shook my hand.
Joyce says: ‘I roped Sankalp into complimenting me by mentioning how much make-up I’d had to wear for the photoshoot. Bingo! He told me I looked lovely’
See him again?
I’d love to but won’t because he messaged the next day to say he isn’t interested in a serious relationship right now. I won’t mark him down for that, although he did hurt my feelings. I felt rejected.
What do you think he thought of you?
Sankalp told me I’m charming and he liked that I’m bold with charisma. I do wonder if I went in too hard on his career trajectory. I was a bit too Dragons’ Den.
Would your friends like him?
He is a calm and chill person. My social circle is more vibrant but they’d get used to him.
Sankalp, 24
Single for six months, no children.
Dating past?
I’ve had one serious relationship but when I moved to London for my degree it was clear it was going to be hard work to keep it going. We broke up six months ago. Since then, I’ve taken time out from dating to look after myself. I’d never approach a woman in real life in case it was taken the wrong way.
Sankalp, 24, said it was all good, apart from the fact that Joyce did most of the talking
Pre-date nerves?
I wasn’t freaking out. Rather, I had good nerves, as a blind date seemed like an interesting idea. Friends have tried to match me without success, so this seemed a better option.
First impressions?
Joyce is an incredibly striking woman. We shook hands but she didn’t stand up from the table, saying she was tired. I told her she was very elegant looking.
I can’t remember if she paid me a compliment.
Easy to talk to?
Yes, Joyce took control of the conversation. Now that I’ve graduated I want to set up a business in hospitality and she grilled me about the steps I was going to take to get there.
She told me about the side businesses she runs – one in property, the other in jewellery. I was inspired by Joyce and her eagerness to earn more in life.
Embarrassing moments?
No, it was all good. Apart from the fact that Joyce did most of the talking.
Did sparks fly?
No, I’m afraid not. Physically she is an attractive, confident woman and I did compliment her on her appearance. But, from my perspective, we didn’t flirt. I think we mutually friend-zoned one another as the date progressed.
See her again?
Not in a romantic sense but as friends or work colleagues then yes. We did talk about the possibility of collaborating on a business idea. I had deleted my Instagram account but had to download it again as Joyce wanted us to follow one another.
‘We didn’t flirt. I think we mutually friend-zoned one another as the date progressed,’ says Sankalp about his date with Joyce
What do you think she thought of you?
At the end of the date she announced that I’m a cool kind of guy, one who is self-aware and secure. I’ll take that.
Would your friends like her?
At first? No, they wouldn’t. That’s only because Joyce is very bold and self-assured. She’s into guiding people to see how to make the best out of their lives. But not everyone wants to be changed.
JOYCE’S VERDICT: 5/10
LIKED? The daiquiri.
REGRETS? Making the date too career-focused.
COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.
SANKALP’S VERDICT: 6/10
LIKED? I met a very business-minded person.
REGRETS? No.
COFFEE OR CAB? Cab.
