Every week, FEMAIL asks two singles to report on their blind date.
This time it’s the turn of Miriam, a 38-year-old PhD student, and NHS administrator Chris, 42.
Read on to find out exactly why Cupid’s arrow missed the mark…
Maria, 38 years old.
VITAL STATISTICS
Single for nine months, never married and no children.CU
CURRENT ROLE
PhD student in electrical engineering.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET
Someone kind and supportive, family oriented and open to trying new things. A big no to smokers
Miriam, a 38-year-old doctoral student, felt that Chris was “undermining my intellectual achievements”
Past quotes
My most recent relationships were both long-term: one for over six years and another for five. I took on a lot of the heavy lifting with my last partner. Men now seem to seek adoption rather than a partner.
Pre-date nerves?
Yeah, I’m a little shy and I was meeting someone who sounded way cooler than me on their profile. He’s in a band. Mom really wanted to check her dresses. She’s 74, but she looks young for her age and she buys nice clothes, whereas I usually go to charity shops. For once I wore one of my own dresses.
First impressions?
Chris was wearing a red t-shirt and it seemed to me that he had made an effort. I didn’t find him attractive immediately. We did that awkward British thing of not knowing whether to hug or hold hands and we bumped into each other. Chris said he signed up for a blind date “because why not,” which didn’t make me feel very special.
Easy to talk to?
I told Chris that my PhD was in AI and he said, ‘Oh, that’s topical, right?’ Er – yes. He had already told her that he was studying for a PhD, but he ‘forgot’ and referred to it as a master’s degree. He also made reference to me “learning” Welsh rather than “speaking” it. I felt like he was undermining my intellectual achievements, which I didn’t like. I was surprised that he had also started a Masters in Psychotherapy, because he is not very self-aware. It made sense when he admitted that he didn’t finish the course.
Embarrassing moments?
I don’t think so, which is good because I’m usually clumsy.
Did sparks fly?
No, if I like someone I get nervous and laugh, and there was no chance of that happening with Chris. There was no flirting on either side.
“There was no flirting on either side,” Miriam said of her date with Chris.
See it again?
No, we were together for two hours and left when I said I had to catch the train back to Wales. We don’t exchange numbers.
What do you think he thought of you?
Chris didn’t interact with me at all, so I didn’t leave the appointment feeling good about myself.
Would your parents like it?
No I dont think so. My parents want to see me with someone who supports my goals.
MIRIAM’S VERDICT: 3/10
APPRECIATED? We share food.
REGRETS? No, it’s good to get out of my comfort zone.
COFFEE OR TAXI? Cab.
Chris, 42
VITAL STATISTICS
Single for five years, divorced, no children.
CURRENT ROLE
NHS administrator.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET
Someone curious about the world, positive, outgoing, easy to laugh. I can’t do those materialistic types.
Chris said of their date: “While it seemed like we were on the same page, there was no physical attraction.”
Past quotes
I separated from my wife of four years a little over ten years ago. Since then, I’ve been involved in a couple of shorter relationships, but nothing recently. I am the youngest of three brothers and it is only me who is single now. I really want to settle down.
Pre-date nerves?
A little bit but nothing to worry about. I know I have good people skills.
First impressions?
Positive: Miriam gave me a good friendly vibe. She has dark hair and is quite thin. I found her attractive, although there was no immediate “electricity.” I gave her a hug and pulled out her chair for her to sit on. I found her to be a very attractive woman.
Easy to talk to?
The small talk was unusual. We covered Miriam learning the Welsh language, which I found fascinating. I was also impressed by her studies. Do I think she has something to do with AI? It is beyond my level of understanding. She lived in Mexico between all those years studying with her nose stuck in a book. Miriam asked me about my band and I explained that I play the keyboard and sing backup vocals.
Embarrassing moments?
No. Miriam dropped her cutlery at one point, but that wasn’t embarrassing.
Did sparks fly?
I would say no, not in the romance sense. While it seemed like we were on the same page, there was no physical attraction. Then I realized I should have complimented her on her appearance. But I didn’t, and I attributed it to Miriam being so talkative.
See her again?
No, you need a spark. If there had been obvious signs that he liked her, then maybe she would have followed things up, but they weren’t there. We didn’t exchange numbers and just gave each other a friendly hug.
What do you think she thought of you?
I guess I’d say I was easy to talk to because we spent two hours together and the conversation didn’t stop.
Would your friends like it?
Yes, Miriam is very grounded with her head on. She also has good values.
CHRIS VERDICT: 8/10
APPRECIATED? Miriam is talkative.
REGRETS? No not really.
COFFEE OR TAXI? Coffee.
Interviews: SAMANTHA BRICK