LOLA, 19
Single, no children.
Dating someone from the past?
I’ve had two short relationships, one of which I ended when he got a little too on board with “it’s our destiny to be together.” I realized the other was over when he unfollowed me on Instagram.
The problem with dating apps is that anyone from your past can easily find you. A guy sent a message saying, “Ooh, you’ve had a makeover.” Ugh, delete it!
Pre-date jitters?
Yes! I was very nervous, but it’s a nice, old-fashioned way to meet someone. My grandparents are Daily Mail readers and they’re really excited that I’m doing this.
Make-up artist Lola (pictured), 19, from Essex, is looking for a friendly, fun-loving guy with nice hair.
First impressions?
Luke is attractive, although he has a typical Essex accent. Not that I’m put off by him, but I’m used to dating guys with Birmingham accents, like mine.
He has curly hair, blue eyes and a stubble beard. I complimented him and, although I don’t remember what I said, it was clear that we were both pleasantly surprised with our matches.
He took me on a tour of London that ended with a kiss!
Easy to talk?
Yes, we got along well from the start. I want to work in hair and makeup for television while Luke is at university.
After lunch, Luke offered to show me the sights. He pointed out Big Ben and a couple of other buildings as we walked through Victoria.
Did he know their story? Something tells me he was making it up.
We stopped at a couple of pubs. He insisted on paying for everything, which was a lovely gesture.
Embarrassing moments?
No, I can’t think of anything.
Lola found Luke attractive when they met and the pair hit it off immediately.
Did sparks fly?
Yes! And I’d say Luke was flirting more than I was. After the last pub, he slipped his hand into mine. We may have kissed too.
Do you see it again?
Yes, but the distance is uncomfortable.
What do you think? Did he think about you?
He made it clear that he liked her.
Would your family be okay? And friends like him?
Yes, Luke is a very down-to-earth person with a sarcastic sense of humor, so he would fit in very well.
LUCAS, 21
Single, no children.
Dating someone from the past?
I was in a long distance relationship while I was at university in Bournemouth, but it was hard to meet the right person.
Pre-date jitters?
Yes, very much so. I’d never met her before, so can you blame me? I also bought a new outfit for the date.
Luke (pictured), a 21-year-old university student from Essex, is looking for a kind and caring woman. He is very turned off by negativity.
First impressions?
Lola was different than I expected. She is very pretty and seemed friendly and communicative.
I told her that during the photo shoot I felt like I was in Zoolander, the Ben Stiller movie that pokes fun at the world of male modeling. Lola clearly knew the movie because she burst out laughing.
Easy to talk?
Yes, we were together for almost ten hours and at no time were there any awkward situations between us.
We both studied art at school, which was great. Lola showed me some of her paintings on Instagram and I showed her my designs too.
My mother suggested I do this: she wants me to go out more.
We talked about why we had agreed to go on a blind date: my mother proposed and Lola’s aunt had been pressuring her to do it. Older generations are worried that we don’t put ourselves out there as much as they used to.
Embarrassing moments?
We had ordered some bread to nibble on as a starter, but it arrived in the middle of our main course and was not what we expected: a huge loaf of bread fell on the table.
Did sparks fly?
Yes, of course. If Lola said we held hands and kissed, then I can confirm that we did. I wouldn’t have mentioned it if she hadn’t. I’m too much of a gentleman for that.
Do you see her again?
Yes, the date ended on good terms. Even though she lives far away, I was surprised at how fast the train from London to Birmingham is.
Luke found Lola to be very pretty, friendly and communicative, and even more attractive than his crush, Scarlett Johansson.
What do you think? Did she think about you?
I don’t know, I’m probably a decent guy. I think she liked it when I told her she’s prettier than my crush, Scarlett Johansson.
Would your family be okay? And friends like her?
Yes, Lola is friendly, open and very talkative. She would get along with everyone.
LOLA’S VERDICT: 10/0
APPRECIATED? It was easy to talk to Luke.
REGRETS? No.
COFFEE OR TAXI? Coffee.
LUKE’S VERDICT: 9/10
APPRECIATED? Lola.
REGRETS? Lola lives far away.
COFFEE OR TAXI? Coffee.