BLIND DATE: He carried my bag and paid for every thing – what’s to not love?

Every week, FEMAIL asks two singletons to report back from their blind date.

This week, it was Lexi and Tanmay’s turn to wine and dine.

Read on to find out what happened… 

Lexi, 21

Vital Statistics

Single for seven months, no children.

Current role

BA History student.

Would like to meet 

A funny guy who is up for trying new things. I’m not into judgmental types or those who don’t tip at restaurants.

Dating past?

I has one casual relationship for around six months, but I’ve mostly been an independent woman. My mum put me forward for this because she wants grandkids in the next few years. Yes, I’d like to get married – but not for another five to ten years, Mum! 

Pre-date nerves? 

No, I’m quite confident. After I graduate I’d like to work in diplomacy, ideally for the United Nations, so I knew I’d take a simple date in my stride. I just wanted us both to enjoy ourselves and see how it unfolds. 

First impressions? 

When Tanmay came over, I stood up, but we didn’t go in for a hug. We shook hands instead. He was wearing a navy blue shirt with khaki trousers, looking smart and well put together. 

Easy to talk to? 

We’re both vegetarians, and I liked that Tanmay said he’d order for both of us, discussing his suggestions with me. He pointed out dishes that I hadn’t tried before, including a delicious Asian salad. 

Tanmay wasn’t a hard nut to crack – he opened up about how close he is to his family. He studied design at university and has just graduated. He showed me his portfolio, which was impressive. I told him about my history course, and my fascination with the witch trials of early modern Europe.

 Embarassing moments?

Yes, my ‘birthday’ cake! Tanmay told our waiter we were celebrating my birthday (which isn’t for another three months), so the staff brought over a cake with a candle on it. Everyone around me was excited, but I was horrified. Tanmay couldn’t stop laughing. 

Did sparks fly?

Hard to say. Tanmay was certainly easy to talk to, as he’s a charismatic guy. There was more flirting on his part than mine.

See him again?

Maybe. I certainly got the impression he’d like to see me again. 

What do you think he thought of you?

I reckon he thought I was a nice person. We were together for a long time: we sat down to lunch at 1pm and parted company at 7pm after a few hours at a games arcade. Then he waited with me for my train and we exchanged Instagrams. We had a hug goodbye. 

Would your family like him?

My parents definitely would; he’s a traditional guy, which you don’t often come across. He ordered for us at the restaurant, carried my bag and paid for me at the games arcade. What’s not to love? 

LEXI’S VERDICT: 7/10

LIKED? Tanmay is easy to talk to. 

REGRETS? No, it was a good date. 

COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee 

TANMAY, 23

Vital statistics 

Single for a year, no kids.

Current role 

Shop floor manager at a gaming store.

Would like to meet

Someone on my wavelength who views a relationship as a team. Women who are rude, two-faced or disrespectful need not apply.

Dating past?

I’ve  had two significant relationships. My first one was a year long and the second lasted around three years. Since then, I’ve had a couple of flings. 

Pre-date nerves? 

Yes, but I find that once the nerves have dissipated I’m pretty outgoing. I’m one of those annoying adrenaline junkies who enjoy doing spontaneous things. 

First impressions? 

Good. I noticed straightaway that Lexi has a cute dimple on her chin. Intuition told me she was more nervous than me, so when we met I simply offered her my hand to shake, saying hello at the same time. I took it as a positive sign that we were both wearing similar shades of blue. 

Easy to talk to?

We’re both vegetarians for ethical reasons, so we bonded over that. The menu choice was limited, but I made some suggestions of new things for us to try. Lexi loves to travel; she’s been all over Europe, to the US and to Hong Kong. I enjoy travelling, too, yet I haven’t been to half as many places as she has – but they’re on my list. 

On the spur of the moment, I told the staff it was Lexi’s birthday, although I knew it wasn’t. How did she react when the cake arrived? Well, I got my phone out and filmed it. She was part surprised, part embarrassed and part very amused. She took it in good spirits thankfully. 

Embarassing moments?

Yes, another one! After our lunch we were going to go go-karting, but we couldn’t get a booking, so we went to a games arcade instead. Lexi lost every single game. I even did my best to let her try and win… but she still lost. 

Did sparks fly?

I think so. I’d be very happy to meet Lexi again to get to know her better. She’s a softly spoken, attractive woman with a lovely smile. And, like me, she’s an introvert at first, but then, when you get to know her, the crazy side comes out. 

See her again?

I’d like to think so. I made sure she got her train home safely and we have been in touch since. 

What do you think she thought of you?

Hopefully that I’m a good person. Anything beyond that is really a bonus. 

Would your family like her?

Yes, I know my parents would like Lexi because she’s polite and well educated.

TANMAY’S VERDICT: 10/10 

LIKED? I could talk without worrying what to say. 

REGRETS? Missing out on the go-karts. 

COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.