Every week, FEMAIL asks two singletons to report back from their blind date.
This week, it’s the turn of Gemma, 28, and Tom, 26 – but did sparks fly or was it time for a cab?
GEMMA, 28
Single for two years, no children.
Current role: Mental health worker.
Would like to meet: A confident, empathetic foodie. He won’t be egotistical, obsessed with the gym or business-minded.
Gemma’s looking for confident, empathetic foodie. He won’t be egotistical, obsessed with the gym
Dating past
I’ve spent a fair bit of my 20s travelling, so I’ve not yet had a major relationship.
Eventually, I’d like to be a mother and a wife, but I refuse to put a timeframe on it. My mum would like me to settle down, although there has been no talk of grandchildren — yet.
Pre-date nerves?
I like to meet new people, it comes with my job so I don’t find it nerve-racking.
First impressions?
I was already sitting at our table when Tom arrived. He is similar in height to me. How to describe him? I couldn’t tell you what he was wearing, but he has blondish hair. His opening gambit was a warm, ‘this is a funny situation’. He came across as classy, friendly and polite.
Easy to talk to?
Yes, although I was tired as I’d had to get up early for my train. We talked about work and Tom told me about his job creating video content for a PR company. I opened up to him about my love life — possibly not the best thing to do on a date.
Tom’s last relationship was two to three years ago (I think). I told Tom about my travels in SouthEast Asia. He’d like to go there, too, but long travel is off the table because of his job.
He’s very observant and noticed I have a little finger missing on one hand. Most blokes don’t notice — unlike Tom.
Embarrassing moments?
Not really — it takes a lot to embarrass me.
Did sparks fly?
No, we went on for a drink after the meal, but got on more like a brother and sister.
Tom is a good talker and can spin a yarn as well as me. But I’ve no idea if he fancied me because I wasn’t flirting with him.
See him again?
Probably not. He’s from posh Cheltenham and I don’t usually date southerners. I prefer to go out with Mancunians, as you know where you are with them. We did follow one another on Instagram though.
What do you think he thought of you?
That I’m loud. I’m quite a big character and, on a date, I do overshare. I probably went on too much about past relationships.
Would your family and friends like him?
Yes, because Tom is polite. For example, he was not only OK with me getting an earlier train home from the pub, but came with me to buy a sandwich for the journey home.
GEMMA’S VERDICT: 7/10
LIKED? Tom isn’t hard work.
REGRETS? No regrets.
COFFEE OR CAB? Cab.
TOM, 26
Single for two years, no children.
Current role: Video producer.
Would like to meet: A girl who is ambitious, funny, and doesn’t take life too seriously. It’s a no if she cares too much about money and status.
Tom’s idea date is a woman who is ambitious, funny, and doesn’t take life too seriously
Dating Past
I’ve had a couple of proper relationships, but the last one ended two years ago. Most of my friends are single, too.
Pre-date nerves?
Yes, but I was more concerned about saying anything ‘off’, as I’m notorious for not having a filter.
First impressions?
I don’t want to sound horrible, but I wasn’t expecting Gemma to be from Manchester so her accent threw me. I don’t mind — it was different. Physically, Gemma is attractive with long blonde hair and she wore a cool white dress.
Easy to talk to?
Gemma is sarcastic, which I liked. She expressed relief at meeting me. She had rejected another potential match because he put down he liked Lego. I like it, too, but I wouldn’t write it on my bio.
Gemma is a support worker and has spent time working in male and female prisons, while I’m a true crime junkie so had to restrain myself from asking her about cases. Gemma yawned during the date, telling me she was tired because she is so busy. She needs to get more sleep.
Embarrassing moments?
I noticed she doesn’t have a pinkie finger on one hand. I wasn’t sure if it was the done thing to ask her: ‘Where’s your finger?’ But she complimented me for being observant and explained she’d lost it as a child after falling through a glass table.
Did sparks fly?
We got on well, but there were no sexual vibes. If I have those ‘this could be the person who bears my children’ feelings, then I tend to be a bit quieter. But I was confident with Gemma because I didn’t mind about the outcome.
At the pub, she told me about her two ‘situationships’. The date turned into a therapy session and I told her to ditch the toxic guys.
See her again?
No, and I know Gemma would say the same. We hugged goodbye and she knows where to find me if she needs advice on her love life.
What do you think she thought of you?
That I’m a bit square. At first, she was relieved I didn’t play with Lego, but I soon got downgraded to the tame category. I suspect she thinks I can’t handle her.
Would your family and friends like her?
My family would be dubious at first. I phoned Mum and told her Gemma has a voice deeper than mine. However, she’d like Gemma because she’s so funny — like the late Caroline Aherne.
TOM’S VERDICT: 8/10
LIKED? Gemma was clearly herself.
REGRETS? To be honest, no.
COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.
Would you like us to find you a date? Are you a singleton, or is there someone you’d like to send on a blind date? Email: blinddate@dailymail.co.uk