SOFIA, 24
Single with no children.
Relationship history?
I’ve been single for a few months but, like many London singles, I’ve had too many situations.
Pre-date nerves?
Yes, this was the first time I went on a date without knowing absolutely anything about the person I’m meeting. But I’m burned out on dating apps, so I was also excited to see what might happen.
Sophie, 24, has been single for a few months and is tired of complicated situations. She is looking for someone kind, ambitious and eager to see the world.
First impressions?
Taylor is pretty, although maybe a little too polished for my taste.
He is attractive in a very conventional sense, from his fashion to his hair and immaculate teeth.
Dare I say it was a bit Love Island, which isn’t really my type. That said, I immediately realized that he was a lovely guy.
Easy to talk to?
We both have careers in social media, so we chat about work, which, come to think of it, isn’t always the best chat for a date.
For me he’s a bit polished, like a Love Island man.
We also talked about our love of traveling. I’m planning a trip to Vietnam and I was in Bali last year so I gave him advice because he hopes to go there soon.
Overall, the conversation was friendly and comfortable, but it was pretty superficial – we never got very deep or romantic.
Embarrassing moments?
Then I realized I had a little bit of pasta sauce on my chin for who knows how long, which was mortifying.
Did sparks fly?
There wasn’t much of a spark and I think we became friends pretty quickly. It was a work talk, without flirting or jokes on either side.
While Sophie liked Taylor, she said the conversation stayed superficial — they never got deep or romantic.
Would you like to meet again?
Sadly not. It’s perfectly sweet but there was nothing there.
What do you think he thought of you?
I have no idea what he thought, which is unusual since you can usually pick up a vibe. Possibly I couldn’t read him because he is very different from the type of men I usually date.
I worry that he sometimes seems too serious on dates, so I don’t think I was his type either.
Would your family and friends like it?
They would like it, but especially my friends would know it wasn’t for me.
TAYLOR, 22
Single for a few months.
Relationship history
I’ve had two serious relationships, both lasting a couple of years, and between them I’ve dated girls for a few months in a row, but nothing serious.
Pre-date nerves?
I don’t even use dating apps, so I was nervous about meeting a complete stranger.
I like to make an effort, so I wore black pants with a t-shirt tucked in and a cashmere sweater over my shoulders.
Taylor, 22, has been single for a few months. She would like to find someone beautiful, motivated, independent, kind and genuine.
First impressions?
I got up to give Sophie a hug when she arrived and initially thought she wasn’t my type, but she was a pretty girl and very sweet.
I’m usually attracted to petite blondes, but I liked her positive vibes. I felt confident that she would enjoy her company because she was very friendly.
Easy to talk to?
At first, he felt a little awkward as we asked each other questions, but the conversation calmed down and became more comfortable. We get very involved in each other’s work and travel plans.
It was interesting to learn about Sophie’s work and hear her thoughts on social media.
I felt like she was surprised that I had never used a dating app and we had an insightful chat about how people approach dating today. I enjoyed having a female perspective.
Embarrassing moments?
Nothing, fortunately.
Did sparks fly?
It felt like a lunch date with a friend: there was no chemistry as such. We didn’t exchange details and we said goodbye with a hug and wished each other the best.
Taylor, the founder of a digital publishing agency, found it easy to talk to Sophie: the couple had a lot in common when it came to work and travel plans.
Would you like to meet again?
I would get to know Sophie on a platonic level because she is a lovely girl.
What do you think she thought of you?
He was surprised that I had never used a dating app.
I think we both felt very comfortable and seemed to enjoy the date, but I didn’t feel like I was flirting.
Would your family and friends like it?
He would get along well with my sisters because he is passionate about his career and knows what he wants, just like them.
My parents may be involved in my sisters’ love lives, but I’m pretty private, so they know I would only introduce them to a girl if it was important to me.
Sophie’s Verdict: 6/10
Appreciated? He asked me about myself, which is pretty rare nowadays.
Regrets? No not really.
Taxi/coffee? Coffee but no goodnight kiss.
Taylor Verdict: 7/10
Appreciated? How passionate she is about her work.
Regrets? None at all.
Taxi/coffee? Platonic coffee.