BLIND DATE: ‘He talked with his mouth full – I couldn’t even remember his name’: It’s NOT a match for Paij and whatshisname

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

This week, it’s the turn of Paij, 32, and Rahat, 39 – but will romance be on the cards for these two hopefuls?

Paij, 32

Single for two and a half years, no children. 

Current role: Entrepreneur and data co-ordinator.

Would like to meet: A creative, driven man with a positive mindset and good banter.

Dating past

I’ve had two serious relationships and previously dated emotionally unavailable men due to my own insecurities. I’d assumed that by 23, I’d have the house, the car, the fabulous job and a child – but life doesn’t flow that way. Now at 32, I’m not sure I actually want children and it hasn’t helped that I’ve met a lot of frogs too.

Pre-date nerves?

No, I was feeling optimistic. I’ve never been on a blind date before, but I enjoy TV dating shows.

First impressions?

I couldn’t remember his name! It’s really embarrassing, but I am terrible with names. Physically, he’s not my type. I prefer taller men with a more muscular build. He was a bit too casually dressed for a first date in jeans and a long-sleeved top, too. However, he was friendly and came across as a sociable guy.

Easy to talk to?

We talked about our favourite TV shows growing up, such as Scooby Doo. While Rahat (thank you for the reminder) didn’t ask me about my previous relationships, I touched on his. All he had to say was his last one didn’t end well so he’s been single for a long time. I wondered if he’s ready for a relationship, as he is a teacher full-time and also works in his spare time. That’s not a red flag for me, though, I respect entrepreneurial people.

Embarrassing moments?

I ordered tomato soup but when it came there was no liquid in the bowl. I panicked for a moment, before realising the waiter had it in a separate jug to serve at the table. Rahat and I laughed, agreeing it was the poshest tomato soup we’d ever seen.

Did sparks fly?

Even though Rahat is a fan of rom-coms, he wasn’t bringing the romance for me. To be honest, I was put off that he talked with his mouth full. It’s a turn-off for me. If you must do it, at least put your hand over your mouth when chatting.

See him again?

No, and we didn’t swap numbers either. When we finished our meal, we walked to the station together. I get anxious on public transport when it’s crowded, but I did manage to jump out at his stop to give him a hug goodbye before jumping back on again.

What do you think he thought of you?

I’ve got no idea. I don’t think he flirted with me, but I do think he’d say we had a good time together.

Would your family and friends like him?

Maybe, I’m not sure. At a push, they’d say he’s a cool guy and a sociable person but not for me.

Paij’s verdict:  7/10

Liked? Rahat’s ambition. 

Regrets? Forgetting Rahat’s name. 

Coffee or cab? Cab.

Rahat, 39

Single for one year, no children. 

Current role: PE teacher.

Would like to meet:  Someone adventurous, a gym-goer with a good personality. My ideal woman is Jennifer Lopez.

Rahat says his ideal woman is Jennifer Lopez – he’s looking for someone with a good personality, who goes to the gym and is adventurous

Dating past

I’ve not had a long-term relationship because I’ve been focused on my career – but for the right woman I would make the time. I’d like to settle down, but I won’t use dating apps and prefer to meet people in real life. I’m old school in that respect.

Pre-date nerves?

Yes, a little bit anxious. I had to postpone the first date due to a family illness so I was looking forward to finally meeting Paij.

First impressions?

Paij is very pretty and was well presented in a fuchsia pink sleeveless dress. You can tell she is a professional individual, and used to dressing to impress. She also came across as focused and motivated from the off, which is a big tick for me. I told her she looked nice and she smiled.

Easy to talk to?

Yes, we talked about Paij’s dating life and why she is single. Like me, she is very focused on her career. I gave her advice on her business, emphasising the importance of the customer’s perspective rather than just the end result. I think she appreciated my feedback. She didn’t tell me so, but she did take notes. We both like to exercise which is important. Paij enjoys hot yoga, while I do martial arts. I’d be open to giving hot yoga a try, though.

Embarrassing moments?

I sneezed twice – does that count? I suffer from hay fever and don’t like sneezing around people, especially in a restaurant. But Paij was nice and said ‘bless you’.

Did sparks fly?

Yes, for me. I liked Paij and tried to flirt with her, but I wasn’t getting anywhere so I stopped. I wasn’t getting the feeling she felt any chemistry – I’m quite clued-up on human psychology and a great reader of body language. As such, I could just tell she wasn’t into me.

See him again?

I would like to, yes. But I’m not sure Paij feels the same way. We hugged goodbye on the Tube, but I didn’t ask for her number as I sensed she didn’t feel the same spark and didn’t want to seem pushy.

What do you think he thought of you?

Confident, easy-going, laid back? I’m not sure. She did tell me I looked good, though.

Would your family and friends like him?

I think they would, because Paij is a professional, put-together woman and yet cool at the same time.

Rahat’s verdict: 8/10  

Liked? Spending time with Paij

Regrets? Not getting her number.

Coffee or cab? Cab. 

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: [email protected]