Find out how Blind Daters Lee, 45, and Irina, 40, interacted
Irina, 40
Six months single, no kids
Dating in the past?
I dated someone for six months last year, but it didn’t work out. Since then I’ve been on horrible dates. A man asked if I wanted to be “a rich housewife.” He said he would give me all the good things in life as long as I always looked good and never talked back. Unsurprisingly, I walked out.
Pre date nerves?
I was more excited than nervous. I am in a good place in my life and feel ready to meet someone.
Irina, 40, has been single for six months and has no children. She wants to meet a “nice guy who has his life in order”
First impression?
Lee is well built with sandy hair and stubble. I got up to give him a kiss on the cheek, and right away he was talkative, friendly, and smiley. My first review was positive – it is definitely a sight to behold.
Easy to talk to?
Yes, and that’s because I asked Lee a lot of questions. We talked about his life experience so far and where he sees his future. Until Covid hit, he had been learning to be an elephant handler at a zoo near his home in Suffolk.
I thought it was sweet that he loved elephants and a plus that he had pursued something he had always wanted to do.
I explained that I was a holistic personal trainer for menopausal women. I was impressed that he googled what “holistic” meant so he could talk to me about my work.
He might have wanted to ask me more about myself, but I kept asking my own questions – it’s important for me to know what he’s looking for in a woman.
embarrassing moments?
It was a bit loud in the restaurant so sometimes it was hard to hear each other.
Irina, pictured, says she needs a man who exercises regularly and discouraged ‘couch Potatoes’ from applying
Do the sparks fly?
I’m not sure about chemistry. There were no butterflies in my stomach or fireworks. Still, we got along well. If we lived closer I would have accepted a second date to see how I really felt about Lee. He is nice.
See him again?
If Lee was back in London, why not? He asked for my number and has since messaged me thanking me for a lovely date.
What do you think he thought of you?
He said he had a good time so I take that as a positive.
Would your friends like him?
Yes, but they would know he’s not for me. He has only lived in the same village all his life and I am from London. We are worlds apart on so many levels.
LEE, 45
Single for three years, with a 17-year-old daughter.
Dating in the past?
I was with my child’s mother for ten years before we split ten years ago.
Since then I have had a number of relationships but it is difficult to meet women as I live in a small village where you see the same faces every day.
Pre date nerves?
I’m normally a bit of a tough cat, but when I walked into the restaurant I was nervous.
First impression?
Irina is a blonde, beautiful, hospitable woman with a good figure. I wore a blue shirt with gray pants, while she wore a colorful dress.
I was more than happy to kiss and hug her when she got up because I found her attractive.
Lee, 45 (pictured), has been single for three years and has a 17-year-old daughter. He is a carpenter and actor
Easy to talk to?
We talked a lot about what we do outside of work. Irina is a foodie and also loves to travel.
Her mantra can be summed up as: ‘If it scares me, I’ll do it’.
She is a holistic personal trainer, meaning she works with the mind as well as the body. She’s passionate about it and I like women who think of others first.
I was an elephant caretaker in training before Covid, which Irina asked me about. She was impressed that I had gone out and decided to work with an animal I had always loved.
embarrassing moments?
I had forgotten to leave my bags with the receptionist at the reception – walking through a fancy restaurant with a suitcase was not my best hour.
Do the sparks fly?
We found out in the beginning that we live far apart so on reflection we didn’t give the date a real chance. It’s a pity, because Irina is a beautiful, beautiful person. I tried to flirt with her.
Lee, pictured, would like to meet “a laid-back, intelligent woman who knows what she wants in life”
See her again?
If she messaged me suggesting we meet up again, I would definitely say yes.
We said goodbye at the station and got a kiss on the cheek and a hug. I would have liked to continue the date.
What do you think she thought of you?
Honestly, I’m not sure. She liked me – I think. There was no awkwardness on either side.
Would your friends like her?
Yes, Irina is very friendly and I would introduce her to one of them.
IRINA’S VERDICT: 8/10
LIKED? Lee is talkative.
REGRET? Lack of chemistry.
COFFEE OR CABIN? Cab.
LEE’S VERDICT: 8/10
LIKED? We had fun.
REGRET? No.
COFFEE OR CABIN? Cab.