Page 46 Daily Mail, Thursday, August 8, 201946 femailMAGAZINE
Blind date
Only one
word sprung
to mind...
stunning!
my own worst critic: I don’t brim
with confidence. I like my eyes and
have slender wrists and hands,
but, when I look in the mirror, I see
a fat, average-looking woman.
I’m not obsessed with clothes,
make-up or reality stars. The
dress I wore for the date was a
really unusual purchase for me.
A friend urged me to apply, as
she’d been on a blind date via the
column. She had a good experience
and I thought: ‘Well, why not? The
worst thing that could happen is
that I have a nice meal and get outof the house for a couple of hours.’
I want to find someone who is
confident, but not cocky, who
makes me laugh, is protective, but
not smothering, likes animals, and
is romantic (nothing ostentatious,
but perhaps the odd surprise).
I honestly just want someone to
come home to and be able to talk
to so I’m not lonely any more.
While, for me, there wasn’t an
immediate spark with Luke, I
don’t go on those feelings anymore. A spark doesn’t mean a
great deal.
In the past, relationships based
on that feeling haven’t worked
out, so I always give someone the
benefit of at least three dates.
Whenever I’ve been on a first
date, it’s usually their eyes that
have attracted my attention,
and Luke has lovely eyes. It was a
good experience, and he checked
in on me to make sure I got home
safely, which was kind. I gave himmy number: I’ll be interested to
see if he wants to meet again.
LIKED? We got on well and there
were no awkward moments.
REGRETS? None — I’m really glad
my friend suggested I take part!
COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.Verdict: 9/10
LUKE, 31, SAYS:
I ArrIved first and was early.
It then occurred to me to find aflorist and buy some red roses.
As victoria walked to the table,
there was only one word that went
through my mind: stunning!
She was wearing a lovely blue
dress with high heels, and was
touched by the flowers. I think her
words were: ‘I’m so happy!’
She has a gluten intolerance
and is vegetarian, so she had
hummus, followed by vegetable
skillets. I had lamb — I checked
that she was OK about me eating
meat in front of her and she said
it was fine. It’s just as well, as it
was the best lamb I’ve ever had.V
ICTOrIA is an easy
person to open up to
and talking to her was
like chatting to some-
one I’d met before. I’d like to think
we clicked with one another.
We’d arranged to meet for
Saturday lunch and, as it was a
sunny afternoon, I suggested
we go for a walk afterwards.
While I enjoyed going to a
lovely restaurant in Knights-
bridge, I’m a country boy at heart
and felt more at home walking
through Hyde Park with her.
Trying to date isn’t easy, as
I have commitments — I’ve
recently launched a business and
relocated to a new town.
Throughout most of my 20s,
I lived in Charente in France. I
could never really settle, because
I was constantly flying back and
forth to see my family. I’m happy
to have had the experience, but
I’m happier to be home.
I’ve been single for 18 months
and I’m finding meeting people
difficult. It doesn’t help that
I’ve just moved to a town where
I don’t know anyone. It was a
friend in France who persuaded
me to apply for this date.
I’m very open-minded about
women, and wouldn’t say I
have a type, but, if I had to
pick something, I’d say it is
important for her to like nature.
I work outdoors and, in my
spare time, I enjoy foraging and
camping. victoria has never tried
these before — but she didn’t flat
out refuse to do them, either.
I was nervous about going on
a blind date. I even had a haircut
as a morale booster! I’d told only
my mum and sister about it, and
they were very positive about the
whole thing — although they had
a bit of a giggle at my expense.
I’d like to think there could be
chemistry between us and I’d
really like to see victoria again.
LIKED? victoria seems kind and
has a lovely aura about her.
REGRETS? None.
COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.Verdict: 8/10
E
very week, we send a
couple out on a blind date
and report back. This time,
Luke Prior, 31, had lunch at
The Mantl in Knightsbridge,
London, with victoria davies, 32.
Luke, a landscape gardener, lives in
rusper, West Sussex. victoria is a part-time
writer and works in the public sector. She
lives in Godalming, Surrey. Luke is divorced,
while victoria has never been married.VICTORIA, 32, SAYS:
I HOPed that when I arrived, I’d have time
to freshen up — but Luke was already at the
table waiting. I was shiny and a bit sticky,
thanks to the August heat. Fortunately, he
didn’t seem to notice. Luke stood up to greet
me, which was a sweet gesture, and kissed
me on each cheek, which I liked.
even though I was very nervous, the
conversation was lively — more from me
than Luke. Sorry, Luke, I do talk a lot! He
complimented me on my sense of humour. It
can be a bit dry, but he found it amusing.
After lunch, he suggested a walk in Hyde
Park. If I hadn’t been enjoying myself, I would
have made my excuses and left. As it was, I
felt enough at ease to slip off my heels and
pop on a pair of flats. It was then I realised
just how tall Luke is at 6ft 2in — I’m 5ft 6in.
I was in a nine-year relationship from the
age of 20, until we mutually agreed to
separate. Since then, I’ve been on some
dating websites, but they’re expensive and
I don’t think they’re worth it.
One guy clearly expected me to stay over
on the third date, inviting me to his house.
After making it clear that I wasn’t staying,
I offered to call my dad to pick me up. He
insisted on driving me home instead — and,
on the way, it became apparent he wasn’t
happy about how close I am to my father.
yes, I’m a daddy’s girl. We live together,
along with my brother and his fiancee. dad
is very protective of me. While I don’t think
any man can take his place in my heart,
there is definitely room for the right chap.W
HeN you hit 30, at times
it can feel like the dating
clock is ticking. I am the
second oldest of five and
the only one not yet married or engaged.
Trying to find someone is a full-time pre-
occupation, though. At the moment, I go to
work, get home and walk my dogs. I need to
be more proactive to meet people. But I’mWOULD 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: [email protected]I’m a daddy’s
girl, but there’s
room in my life
for Mr Right
TOP DATING TIPS
M Introverts often need a helping hand
when it comes to love. Friends and loved
ones: this is where you can matchmake!
M A new outfit or haircut can be a real
confidence boost before a date.
M Never make snap judgments
when it comes to romance.
Nerves make us behave
differently when
we’re meeting
someone for
the first
time.Pictures: JEAN-PHILIPPE WOODLAND / MURRAY SANDERSПОДГОТОВИЛА
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