“He’s very funny and he wasn’t fazed by my cane”: find out if you’re compatible with Alice and Peter on this week’s blind date

ALICE, 29 YEARS OLD

Single with no children.

Past quotes

I had a three-year relationship at 18, then a nine-month one at 27, and a short relationship last year. I was born with spina bifida (a condition that affects the spine) and, at 23, I woke up paralyzed from the bottom of my spine down. I’m still learning to walk again.

Nowadays, I use a cane and have no feeling in my right leg. In my experience, people see a stick and make assumptions about you.

It has greatly affected my romantic life and undermined my confidence, but the men I have dated have been considerate. I wouldn’t tolerate anything less.

Pre-date jitters?

Yeah, and when I’m nervous, I tend to crack bad jokes to break the ice. I was hoping I wouldn’t say anything too embarrassing.

First impressions?

When the waiter showed us to our table, we started chatting and we didn’t stop. It was a good combination: Peter is very handsome, he has blond hair and blue eyes. I liked his linen shirt with jeans.

Easy to talk to?

Peter has a great sense of humor. He made me cry with laughter when he described how the makeup artist at the photo shoot applied concealer to the tops of his ears.

Peter works with autistic adults with learning disabilities. I have a sister with similar disabilities and we talk about our experiences with people who navigate the world a little differently. I told Peter that I thought my career was over when I couldn’t walk. He didn’t bat an eye and didn’t ask too much about it, which was perfect.

Embarrassing moments?

Yes, but luckily Peter didn’t notice. There was a napkin on the floor; my cane slipped on it and I almost fell.

Did sparks fly?

Yes, Peter is a fun guy and we laughed a lot. However, it’s not one of those love-at-first-sight encounters, but rather a slow process. Still, he kept my attention with good eye contact.

Alice found Peter amusing and they laughed a lot, although it was not love at first sight.

Do you see it again?

Yes. Been in touch ever since.

What do you think he thought of you?

I don’t know! He said I was funny and that I was “evil”… which I think is a compliment.

Would your friends and family like it?

It’s an easy yes. I’m very close to my family and they would like Peter because he’s polite and funny. Plus, he didn’t look at his phone once, except to Google something we were both convinced we were right about (actually, we were both wrong).

PETER, 38 YEARS OLD

Single with no children.

Past quotes

I have had several short-term girlfriends. My last relationship was with a woman who lived abroad and, although I like to travel, we only lasted six months together; the distance was too much.

Pre-date jitters?

Yeah, a little bit. You don’t know what you’re getting into, do you?

Peter, 38, is looking to meet someone fun to settle down with.

First impressions?

Alice looked gorgeous: she had blonde hair, a big smile and was wearing a very pretty dress. We immediately felt friendly, hugged each other and started chatting.

Easy to talk to?

Yes, because we both love to travel. Alice wants to spend some time living in Australia and I want to go on a boat with a friend and sail from Tahiti to Asia.

Alice explained how her career was cut short when she had to undergo spinal surgeries. It wasn’t something she wanted to think about and we already had other things to talk about. She is a brave (or reckless, depending on your point of view) woman and loves desert hiking, mountain climbing and cold-water swimming.

Embarrassing moments?

I made the mistake of wearing jeans on the hottest day of the year. Alice made fun of me for it. To be fair, I asked a platonic friend if it was okay to wear shorts on a first date and she said a resounding no.

Did sparks fly?

Yeah, I thought so. There was a bit of flirting and eye contact. Alice is not only pretty, she’s funny too. I didn’t realize she was using a cane until we left the restaurant and I walked her to her car, but it didn’t bother me.

Do you see her again?

I would like to. We spent six hours together in the restaurant. It turns out we can both talk a lot.

We exchanged numbers at the end of the date and have been in touch ever since.

Peter found Alice amusing and physically attractive with her blonde hair and pretty dress.

What do you think he thought of you?

I hope he thought it was okay. We both laughed about similar things, which is a plus. I told him the first thing I would do after he left would be to go to a local hotel and change into my shorts.

Would your family like it?

Yes, they are similar in many ways. Take a recent holiday to Wales for example: all members of my family (except me) are the kind of people who love getting up at seven in the morning to swim in the sea. Alice loves that stuff too. They are all mad, it’s my worst nightmare.

ALICE’S VERDICT: 8/10

APPRECIATED? With Peter it was easy.

REGRETS? None.

COFFEE OR TAXI? Coffee.

PETER’S VERDICT: 10/10

APPRECIATED? I felt at ease.

REGRETS? Do not wear shorts.

COFFEE OR TAXI? Coffee.