'He said he likes humor but he didn't laugh at my jokes': It's NOT a match on this week's Blind Date when letting agent Katy met finance worker Ben
Katie, 45
VITAL STATISTICS
Single for 18 months, no children.
CURRENT ROLE
Rental agent.
WOULD LIKE TO MEET
Someone who is intelligent and well-traveled, who is emotionally available and has a sense of humor.
DATING PAST
My longest relationship lasted three years, but he wasn't the right person. I used to rely on online dating, but men use the apps like a Panini football sticker album: trash, trash, save. They no longer seem willing to invest much in finding someone special. For now, I take comfort in my French bulldog.
NERVES BEFORE DATE?
Yes, because I thought the outcome was important. But sometimes I'm at my best when nerves strike.
FIRST IMPRESSION?
Ben stood up from the table (a good sign), dressed in a rather stereotypical work suit. I don't want to sound derogatory, because he was well groomed and clean shaven. I leaned in for a kiss on the cheek, figuring he's the type of guy who wouldn't want to make me feel uncomfortable by giving one himself.
EASY TO TALK TO?
Yes, but if I'm being honest, I stepped into my alpha energy and asserted myself early on, interrupting the conversation to get the waiter's attention so we could order. I felt like I was the strongest party. We talked about Ben's past relationship: he's married and I'm not.
I lit up when I mentioned my dog, also named Ben. Dog Ben picks up on my energy and understands that I am the pack leader because he is well trained. Date Ben had a poodle a long time ago, but he did not go outside and was not trained.
Embarrassing moments?
Not for us, but one of the waiters tripped and sent a large tray of crockery and glassware flying. It landed everywhere, poor man.
DO SPARKS FLY?
I like to flirt on a date, but there was no physical attraction for me. I couldn't figure out what fueled Ben's fire. I understand why we were matched: we're at the same stage of life and he said I looked like his celebrity crush Emily Blunt. But our relationship was like that of a friend.
SEE HIM AGAIN?
No, I don't see the point, to be honest. We didn't have enough in common. Ben said he likes humor, but when I made a joke, he didn't even laugh.
WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?
I think I checked a lot of boxes before calling it a day. Once again I stepped into my alpha energy to get the bill.
WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE TO KEEP HIM?
Yes, Ben is very accommodating, but they wouldn't bring us together.
KATY'S VERDICT 6.5/10
LIKED IT? Ben placed me at ease.
REGRET? No.
COFFEE OR taxi? Coffee.
Ben, 49
VITAL STATISTICS
Divorced, no children.
CURRENT ROLE
I work in the financial world.
WOULD LIKE TO MEET
A WARM, family oriented, fun woman, who stays in shape. Social media addicts are a no-no.
DATING PAST
I was with my ex-wife for ten years and we were married for three years. I've tried dating apps since then, but half the women don't bother to reply. They are very distant.
NERVES BEFORE DATE?
I was a little nervous. I lost my older brother to leukemia a year ago and it hit me hard. But mom read this column and told me to do it. I wore a suit and bought a bouquet of pink peonies.
FIRST IMPRESSION?
Katy is small, has a nice figure and is very beautiful. I handed her the flowers and complimented her on her appearance, but no compliment was returned.
EASY TO TALK TO?
She was very confident and at one point told us to order. Maybe she meant for us to get it out of the way so we could talk. We had the same fish appetizer and main course, so Katy ordered for me. I normally get questions about growing up in the US and being a former tennis player. But instead, Katy quizzed me with questions like, “Can I ask you why your marriage didn't work out?” Normally I'm cheerful and funny, but an interrogation like that doesn't give you much opportunity for a punchline.
Embarrassing moments?
Katy took charge (again!) and ordered spinach and broccoli to share. I put too big a rose on my fork and had to break it in half with it hanging out of my mouth. I wanted to make a joke, but by then I had Katy like a cold fish.
DO SPARKS FLY?
I do not think so. I got the feeling that Katy wasn't attracted to me, but I've been out of the game for a while. I wasn't that attracted to her.
SEE HER AGAIN?
At my suggestion, we exchanged numbers at the table. When I suggested it, she said, “Awwww!” Condescending reactions like that are a pet peeve of mine. I knew I had been put in the friend zone. The most animated thing she got was talking about her dog.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?
Katy hasn't given much away. She asked me three times why I didn't have my own home and if I was worried, I'm not on the property ladder. But then she did send me a photo of the flowers I gave her in a vase, which was a nice touch.
WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE TO KEEP HER?
My mother agreed to me being tailor-made to see if I would fit into Katy's world
Ben's rating: 7/10
LIKED IT? Katy is one kind person.
REGRET? No.
COFFEE OR taxi? Cab.