‘I’ve not texted yet… I want to see how the dust settles’: Find out if it was a match on this week’s Blind Date

MEAGHAEN, 26

Single for over two years.

Dating Past?

I broke up with someone I’d been dating for a while about two years ago. Since then, all I can say is it’s been a case of trial and error.

Pre-Date Nerves?

Not even knowing the name of the man you’re dating was nerve-racking – but also nice. 

In today’s dating world, everyone looks at each other’s socials beforehand so you go into the date with lots of unhelpful preconceptions.

First Impressions?

I thought he’d stood me up, and he thought I’d stood him up! The restaurant hadn’t worked out that we were together for the date. 

When I turned the corner to see Rob sitting at the table reading a book, I thought that was a great sign. 

And when he stood up, I thought he was very handsome and personable. I don’t usually go for blonds, but I liked his hair and the fact he wore glasses.

Easy To Talk To?

The conversation was so effortless it was several minutes before we realised we didn’t even know each other’s names. We had to rewind and start again. 

We have quite a lot in common as we both work in the media. Rob wants to be a film-writer and I love film, too. 

I loved that although he’s from the US originally, Rob’s been over here for most of his adult life and actually prefers British culture.

Embarrassing Moments?

I panicked when I spilt coffee down my dress just before the date. But actually, my back-up outfit of a jumper and trousers was more casual, which perhaps made the date more relaxed.

Did sparks fly?

Yes, I think so. At first, we were quite polite but as we got chatting, we both started flirting, laughing at each other’s jokes and making lots of eye contact. 

We seemed to talk non-stop for hours until the waiters needed the table back – so we carried on the date and went for drinks until around 9pm. 

We had a peck on the cheek at the end. I definitely felt a spark.

Meaghaen, who works in news production for a media company, said her date with Rob was the best first date she’d had in a long time

See him again?

I hope so, as it was the best first date I’ve been on in a very long time. We made some loose plans for next week, possibly to visit a pop-up bar in London.

What do you think he thought of you?

I’m so bad at reading signals, I really don’t know. But the fact he wanted to extend the date with drinks and make plans to see one another again is surely a good sign, right?

Would your family like him?

Yes, he’s articulate and confident. I got the impression he’s the sort of man who could get on with most people.

ROB, 24 

Single for a year.

Dating Past?

I’ve only had one longer relationship, which lasted a few months but was very intense. We broke up a year ago and that was pretty tough. 

I’m not sure I want another long-term relationship right now – rather something more casual, which I decided to be honest about on the date.

Pre-Date Nerves?

Definitely. I’ve never done anything like this before and I’m not really a ‘dinner dates’ kind of man. I’d prefer to go for drinks or a walk somewhere.

Rob (pictured), 24, is looking for a clever, self-assured woman who wants to be with him, but doesn’t need him

First Impressions?

It didn’t get off to a great start, as I thought Meaghaen was late. But actually, the waiting staff hadn’t told her I was there. 

She felt bad for keeping me waiting but seemed charming and sweet. She was attractive with nice eyes and a great smile.

Easy To Talk To?

Very, Meaghaen is great company. She works in politics and I found that fascinating, because I studied politics at university. 

She has Irish parents, and I have Irish ancestry. Her life experiences are quite different to mine, though. 

She has a huge family and went to university a little later whereas I’m from a small family and had quite a traditional career path.

I really liked her outlook on life – she seems determined, ambitious and optimistic, the values I perhaps need in my own life. 

She had a nice ‘energy’ and was very encouraging of my aspirations as a TV writer and director, too.

Embarrassing Moments?

Only the fact that we were both sitting in the restaurant at the same time without knowing it – but it was a good ice-breaker when we were finally introduced.

Did sparks fly?

There was definite flirting going on from both sides, and we swapped numbers. Still, she seemed more interested in something serious than me, so it’d be something I want to be more sure about.

Rob, who works in photographic post-production, thought Meaghaen was great company and liked her optimism and determination 

See her again?

Yes, I’d like that. I haven’t called or texted her yet. I’m waiting to see how the dust settles.

What do you think she thought of you?

I got the impression she was definitely interested. There was a lot of playful banter and she seemed to like me, telling me I had great teeth and a lovely smile.

Would your family like her?

They would think she’s very sweet. Possibly a bit too intimidating and clever for some of my friends!

MEAGHAEN’S VERDICT: 9/10

Liked? Meeting Rob was a nice surprise.

Regrets? No.

Coffee or cab? Coffee.

ROB’S VERDICT: 7/10

Liked? Meaghaen’s company and conversation.

Regrets? No.

Coffee or cab? Coffee.