- Every week, FEMAIL asks two singletons to report back from their blind date
- 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
LILY, 35
Single for one year, no children.
Dating Past?
I was a bit of a late starter. I moved to London nine years ago and before then I didn’t really think about my love life.
The only guy I got seriously involved with let me down badly. Since then, I’ve taken time away from the dating scene to look after myself and heal.
Pre-Date Nerves?
Yes – I’m an introvert who’s happiest at home with my three cats. But, I reminded myself my match probably felt nervous, too.
Nanny and nurse Lily (pictured) is 35. She’s looking for someone stable and family-orientated with a good work/life balance
First Impressions?
Daniel seemed nervous – he didn’t shake hands or hug. The second we were seated, he said he’d bought me a present. On my profile, which he’d seen before the date, I’d put that I love the smell of lavender oil, so he’d bought me some as a gift.
He urged me to open it and have a sniff. I froze because his insistence made me feel uncomfortable. He couldn’t have known that’s how I’d react; still, I haven’t used it since.
Easy To Talk To?
Yes, although unfortunately there is a ‘but’ coming… Daniel tried to order for me. Again, it made me feel uncomfortable – I didn’t want him to decide for me.
There were a couple of other negatives, too. We’re both creative and I’m an artist in my spare time, yet while I asked questions about Daniel’s creative pastimes, he didn’t ask me about mine. It was the same when we discussed films.
Embarrassing Moments?
Daniel called me Milly and I had to correct him.
Lily found it uncomfortable when her date Daniel tried to order for her – and it didn’t help that he called her Milly
Did Sparks Fly?
No. Daniel flirted with me and told me how nice my make-up was, but I wasn’t interested. He’s good-looking but I wasn’t attracted to him.
He suggested I take his number a couple of times – I work with babies and he said he could help me get a job – but I didn’t take it.
See him again?
As a friend only. But then, I’ve got a lot of friends so I’m not sure it’s a good idea to go down that road either. We left after two hours because (thankfully) I had a job interview to get to.
What do you think he thought of you?
I’m bad at reading signals, so he might have found me attractive. Daniel needs someone stronger to take him to task if he tries to impose himself in situations, like ordering your food for you.
Would your friends like him?
Daniel is someone who likes to take pictures of his food in restaurants. My friends neither do that nor like it.
DANIEL, 40
Single for three years, no children.
Dating Past
I’ve had a few relationships over the years, but I find online dating unsatisfying. You can talk for ages and then not get anywhere with a woman. I never ever imagined I’d go on a blind date, but after watching Love Is Blind on Netflix, I thought ‘why not?’
Pre-Date Nerves?
Not really. As a recruiter, I’m used to meeting people. I had turned down a blind date with one woman who came across as pushy and materialistic. Lily was more my type – humble.
Tech recruiter Daniel (pictured), 40, is looking for an open-minded woman who likes to exercise
First Impressions?
Positive. Lily seemed down-to-earth. She met almost all of my physical expectations too: a brunette, around 5ft (I’m 5ft 9in).
She had a nice smile with brown eyes and was wearing a colourful flowery dress.
Easy To Talk To?
When we sat down I presented Lily with a bottle of lavender oil, and explained that it might take the edge off her nerves. She seemed over the moon with it.
We talked about our careers. Lily is a nanny and caring for other people’s children says a lot about her character.
We also covered places we’d both like to go. I’m a well-travelled man and spent my 40th birthday in Vegas. Lily prefers cultural destinations, but we agreed Sri Lanka is on both our wish-lists.
We spent lunch seeing if we’re on the same life path. I’d love to get married and have children, although I don’t think that is on Lily’s agenda right now.
Embarrassing Moments?
No, although Lily found the lavender thing quite funny.
While Daniel would love to get married and have children, he didn’t perceive that Lily wanted the same things at this point in her life
Did Sparks Fly?
No, and I always know straight away. The chemistry simply wasn’t there for me, and I’ve no idea if she was flirting with me either. Lily has a good heart and is a nice person though.
See her again?
As a friend yes, but will we meet up? Unlikely. We parted after our meal because Lily had to get to a job interview.
There was no point in me giving her any tips as a recruiter because I don’t know the first thing about nannying. I had nannies as a child and if anything I made them run away.
What do you think she thought of you?
I have a feeling she is on the same page as me: we had a lovely time together but that’s it.
Would your friends like her?
I think they’d say that Lily is on the quiet side and more reserved than my usual type.
LILY’S VERDICT: 7/10
Liked? The design of the restaurant.
Regrets? No regrets, no.
Coffee or cab? Cab.
DANIEL’S VERDICT: 6/10
Liked? My conversation with Lily.
Regrets? Not one bit.
Coffee or cab? Coffee.