Every week, Femail asks two singletons to report back from their blind date.
This week, it was Regine and David’s turn to see if they were a match.
Here’s what happened…
Mary, 25
Dating Past?
I’ve had three proper relationships. The last person I invested time in was lazy and far more focused on his friends. I’m now very much in the market for a decent man. Luckily, I am proactive and will approach a guy to say hello. I’ve never been rebuffed, so why not?
Pre-Date Nerves?
A little bit, yes. My mum put me forward for this, as she would love me to meet someone to share my life with. No pressure!
First Impressions?
Honestly? As soon as Josh stood up to say hello, I knew it was going to be fun. He has a kind face and was cute. He’s also got a similar, upbeat positive energy to me.
Easy To Talk To?
Yes. Josh lives in London and his dad is a vicar. He made me laugh when he apologetically told me he’s got lots of rich friends. He was set to work in property, but decided to be an actor four months ago. I really admire his attitude to life. I have to admit, he had verbal diarrhoea at first. He talked a lot and I did wonder if he was going to ask me anything – luckily he did.
Embarrassing Moments?
Yup – three. I offered to squeeze the lime over our shared starter of calamari and the juice went all over me.
Then I asked Josh if it was okay to eat them with my fingers and he said no, reminding me we were at a posh restaurant. However, I did notice he picked at his main course with his fingers.
I was also excited about ordering dessert until Josh told me he wasn’t having one because he’d just had his teeth whitened.
Did Sparks Fly?
I don’t think there was chemistry between us – I know pretty quickly if someone’s sexually interested in me. Did I flirt with Josh? After two large glasses of wine, I don’t remember. But we got along brilliantly as friends and had a lot of fun together. I strongly suspect he’ll say the same.
See him again?
Not on a romantic level, no, but I had realistic expectations before the date. When we left the restaurant, Josh gave me a hug, then put his number in my phone and said ‘I’ll be in touch’. Apparently he’s possibly working in Bournemouth soon, so who knows?
What do you think he thought of you?
Hopefully that I’m engaging, sparkling company (which I am!).
Would your family and friends like him?
Mum would like Josh as a person, but not as a partner for me. She knows I usually go for boisterous, outgoing men, and that’s not Josh.
Joshua, 28
Dating Past?
Nothing substantial. Most of my relationships haven’t lasted a year. I have two friendship circles. In one, I’m the only one who is single and in the other all of us are. You can probably guess which one I socialise with most.
Pre-Date Nerves?
No, but not in an arrogant way. I don’t put pressure on myself to be perfect – perfection doesn’t exist.
First Impressions?
Good. Mary’s a real gem. I got up and we had a hug and a ‘how are you doing?’ moment. Straightaway, I could tell she had no ego, that there would be no drama. She’s an attractive woman and I liked her style. We both complimented each other on our outfits and had a bloody good moan about our trains being cancelled.
Easy To Talk To?
Yes, we discovered we’ve both got younger sisters who are getting engaged. I made Mary laugh when I told her my sister criticised me for not being as excited as I should have been about ‘the ring’. Mary is an impressive woman. Her work in the criminal justice system is proper grown-up stuff.
Embarrassing Moments?
There were two big glass breaks on the restaurant floor. Shards of glass went into our neighbouring table’s meal. I made sure Mary was alright, naturally.
Did Sparks Fly?
Yes. Mary is a good-looking girl and genuinely lovely. I didn’t pay her any compliments – in hindsight maybe I should have. Sometimes women are attractive but then they start talking and you realise they’re totally vapid. It’s a bit of a gut punch. But that’s not Mary. Although I was surprised when she mentioned she’d brought a friend along with her for the day – I kept wondering if her mate was suddenly going to appear and join us at the table.
See her again?
Yes, I’d like to. I might be in her town for work in a few weeks’ time and if I am, we’re going to meet up.
What do you think she thought of you?
Hopefully only very good things. If pushed I’d say Mary did find me an attractive guy. I almost told her I wouldn’t normally agree to having lunch on a first date
but this was a good one. I wouldn’t rule it out again.
Would your family and friends like her?
My family definitely would. Mary’s got plenty of chat and is refreshingly fun.