‘I’ve NEVER liked a man enough to see him a second time’: Find out if it was a match on this week’s Blind Date

LAUREN, 20

Single all my life.

Dating past?

I don’t have one, as I have always been single. I just haven’t met anyone who I want to date, although I am picky.

I’ve been on a few ‘first dates’ but I’ve never wanted to take things further. A lot of my friends are on dating apps. I did sign up for one once, but people just judge each other based on looks and a few words. It’s not for me.

I think young people now are more socially anxious about meeting people in real life. Social media can alter your expectations because people can create a different persona online. 

But as you get older and meet people you realise they are not perfect – everyone is multi-faceted.

Pre-date nerves?

I felt a bit nervous. But on dates, if we click then that’s cool, but if not it’s been fun to have a conversation.

First impressions?

Mark brought me flowers in a vase, which was cute. He was wearing a suit with a waistcoat; I was wearing a jumper and jeans. I felt a bit under-dressed.

Neither of us really drink, so he had a Coke and I had a mocktail – although I did have a negroni instead of dessert, as I’ve always wanted to try one. 

I think our generation just like to stay in control, especially on a first date.

Easy to talk to?

Yes, Mark was a really chatty guy. He sees his mum three times a week which is a green flag for me, as family really matters. He also works as a bouncer so was telling me funny stories about the drunk people he’s had to deal with.

We talked about food a lot – Mark hates Burger King, whereas I think it’s the best. He lives alone and he said he isn’t very good at cooking so eats a lot of takeaways. 

Mark was good at making conversation, but I think he was nervous, as he didn’t really ask me any questions.

Embarrassing moments?

I choked on my water at one point.

An illustration student, Lauren would like to meet someone who is down‑to-earth and into music

Did sparks fly?

No – we didn’t flirt, but had a good chat. I don’t really have a type, but I knew Mark wasn’t for me.

See him again?

We didn’t exchange socials, but it ended on a friendly note, with us shaking hands.

What do you think he thought of you?

I think I came across as too ‘art student’, whereas Mark is very business-driven. I did bring up my hair as it is badly dyed, but Mark said that it looked nice. I don’t think Mark fancied me, but I hope he thinks I’m a genuine person.

Would your friends like him?

Yes, he wasn’t awkward or quiet. He was a genuinely fun person.

MARK, 18

Single for four months.

Dating past?

I’ve had one serious relationship that lasted for about a year. It was a great experience, and I learned a lot about what I want in a partner. Now, I’m excited to meet someone new, settle down and be happy.

I have never done any internet dating because I want to meet someone in real life. Lots of the dating apps make you pay, which I think is a waste of money.

Social media has made it harder to meet women. Too many girls feel like they have to use filters and wear lots of make-up, so when you meet them in real life, they don’t look like they did in their pictures.

Mark (pictured), 18, has been single for four months 

Pre-date nerves?

Only in the sense that I wondered if I would get on with her.

First impressions?

Lauren was pretty and wearing very ‘natural’ make-up, which I prefer. I thought her hair looked really stylish.

Lauren said she really liked my outfit. I thought she had great fashion sense, but could have looked a bit smarter. I gave her the flowers and she seemed to really like them. She seemed quite nervous, though. 

We both hardly drink – I’ll drink if I go to a club with friends or at big family events, but not often. 

I certainly wouldn’t drink on a date as I would hate to lose control, so I wasn’t tempted to join Lauren in having an alcoholic drink instead of dessert.

Easy to talk to?

Yes, we had a good laugh. We didn’t really talk about ourselves, we discussed more general topics like our families, school, movies and what kind of food we like – especially takeaways. 

We chatted about meeting famous people; I’ve met the pop group JLS and Olly Murs. I also told Lauren about the time I flew a four-seater aircraft. She’s a good listener.

Embarrassing moments?

When we first met, we were both nervous as neither of us had been on a blind date before so we shook hands, which felt quite formal.

A bouncer at a night club, Mark would like to meet someone slim, with brown or blonde hair, curvy, athletic, pretty, with good fashion sense 

Did sparks fly?

We didn’t flirt, but I would say there was chemistry between us. However, Lauren lives three hours away from me.

See her again?

No, we went our separate ways. We just wished each other well, and shook hands again.

What do you think she thought of you?

Hopefully that I am a gentleman because I brought flowers and treated her respectfully.

What would your family/friends think of her?

My mum loves polite people, so, yes, they would like her.

LAUREN’S VERDICT: 8/10

LIKED? The conversation and the flowers.

REGRETS? I wish I had dressed up a bit more.

COFFEE OR CAB? Cab.

MARK’S VERDICT: 7/10 

LIKED? She was polite, funny and not judgmental.

REGRETS? That we didn’t exchange numbers.

COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.