Every week, the singles paired by FEMAIL report on their blind dates.
Was this week the beginning of a love story for young hopefuls Molly and Shawn, or the end of the road?
Molly, 24
Single for two years, no children.
Current role: Digital PR manager.
Would like to meet: An independent man with good family relationships and a good work ethic.
Molly says that men usually message her to say they enjoyed her company after a date
Dating in the past?
I was in a relationship for two years in college, but have been single ever since. Lately I’ve been trying to be more ruthless on the apps. And I have a three-date rule before I sleep with a guy.
Pre-date nerves?
A little bit. But I’ve been on seven dates since March and have had good feedback. Guys usually message me to say they enjoyed my company.
First impression?
We had a warm hug and I noticed that Shawn is 5ft 10in – a tick. I may only be 5ft 2in but I prefer tall men. He had put ‘exercise’ as a hobby on his questionnaire so I was expecting a gym bunny but he wasn’t.
He was wearing a flashy purple satin shirt, which looked cool. Although Shawn isn’t my conventional type, I have to step outside my usual zone, because so far it hasn’t worked.
Easy to talk to?
We had a good conversation for two hours. It wasn’t a quick meal and a sprint. I was hungry so I had olives, steak and chips and a dessert.
Shawn worked in a hotel in Mayfair where he met my celebrity crush, Elvis actor Austin Butler. Now he’s trying to become a social media content creator.
We were talking about past relationships. Shawn hasn’t had much luck with women and isn’t very confident. I came back from the bathroom and saw him chatting with the guys at the table next to me. They were trying to convince him that I was gone – I would never do that!
Embarrassing moments?
No, it was quite civilized.
Are there sparks?
No. I’m someone who makes a decision right away. The hug was awkward, that didn’t help.
See him again?
No. Shawn desperately wants to be a YouTube celebrity — that doesn’t do anything for me. I didn’t walk him to the train station because I hate awkward small talk. He asked for my Instagram and said mysteriously that he hoped our paths would cross again.
What do you think he thought of you?
Shawn is hard to figure out. He didn’t compliment me, but I think he liked me because the next day he was liking pictures on my Insta-grid.
Would your friends like him?
I don’t see why not. But we’re separated like night and day, so they’d be confused as to why I was with him.
Molly’s rating: 5/10
Did you like it? He was a pleasant company.
Regret? Not at all.
Coffee or taxi? Taxi.
Shawn, 25
Single for nine months, no children.
Current role: Business administrator.
Would like to meet: An adventurous, healthy woman who can cook a curry as well as I can.
Shawn says he was surprised his date ordered steak and chips
Dating in the past?
I’ve never dated anyone long enough to call it a relationship. Unfortunately, women my age get drunk and smoke strawberry fumes every weekend. It’s so unattractive.
Pre-date nerves?
A blind date is a big deal. But I never shy away from a challenge.
First impression?
Molly has beautiful eyes and was wearing a gorgeous dress. I complimented her and gave her a hug to say hello. Luckily I was early because I am usually late for dates. I made a woman wait for 30 minutes. She blocked me on her phone.
Easy to talk to?
Yes, although I was initially preoccupied with the menu. I have been on a red meat and protein only diet, so I opted for chicken for a change.
I have tried to increase my muscle mass but so far I have only gained fat. I train seven days a week.
I was surprised that she ordered steak and chips on a date. Women don’t normally eat things like that, right? And she ate it all up! She told me that her sister had met her husband on a blind date. I wanted to jokingly propose, but I wasn’t sure how she would take it.
Embarrassing moments?
When Molly was in the bathroom, one of the two men at the table next to me said, “Is she gone?” I said, if she’s gone, you can come with me. She came back (thankfully).
Are there sparks?
There was some chemistry. It took me two hours to realize she was something special. I’m sure I saw something in her expression that said she felt the same way. I’d say she was making an effort to flirt, so I did the same. The clue was how hard she laughed.
See her again?
Yeah, maybe for a bowling date? Molly has the eyes of the woman of my dreams, but I didn’t get that direct punch to the stomach, so I’ll have to see her again to see if that’s there.
What do you think she thought of you?
I’m good at reading other people. I think she thought I was a cool guy and a fun person, but I don’t think Molly felt romance.
Would your friends like her?
They said I should do it because Molly is a dreamy girl.
Shawn’s rating: 8/10
Did you like it? I had a great time.
Regret? I wish I had gone for the chocolate dessert.
Coffee or taxi? Coffee.