'Being woke is a big red flag... but he does have nice teeth': Find out if it was a match on this week's Blind Date

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ANNA, 49

'Free-spirited’ (I prefer it to ‘single’) for five years. Two sons, aged 13 and 11.

Dating Past?

A fun one! I have been engaged twice, cohabited four times and enjoyed numerous lovers in between. There are such slim pickings on the dating apps that I’ve been telling myself: ‘It’ll happen when it’s supposed to.’ Are you listening, Universe?

Pre-Date Nerves?

A bit. In these situations, I adopt a Wonder Woman pose in the mirror and tell myself I’m invincible.

First Impressions?

Patrick surprised me while I was drinking my G&T at the bar. I liked that he is tall with long brown hair, nice teeth and brown eyes. He arrived in jeans and sunglasses, while I had on a denim fitted dress I’d picked up at a car boot sale for £2.

Anna (pictured), 49, owns a boutique cinema. Shas been single for five years and has two sons, aged 13 and 11

Easy To Talk To?

Yes, we have a lot in common. We’re both shop owners. We touched on our parenting styles and discovered we both have a laissez-faire approach, meaning we let our children make their own mistakes.

We also both have January birthdays, and curiously both went to Morocco this year to celebrate. I’m a loyal Capricorn and Patrick is Aquarius.

Embarrassing Moments?

No, nothing stands out.

Did Sparks Fly?

Not of a sexual nature, no. Chemistry is an instant thing for me. I’m addicted to that part of the relationship process when you fall in love.

But I could spend time with Patrick platonically – he’s a funny, self-deprecating gent.

See him again?

Yes, I really enjoyed his company. He asked for my number so I could let him know I had got home safely. We both agreed it was an excellent match, so it’s just a shame the chemistry wasn’t there (for me, anyway).

Anna is looking to meet someone who has a zest for life. She's wary of people who are particularly woke

What do you think he thought of you?

I’m not sure. But that’s Aquarians for you – they can be very reserved. He did comment we had a lot in common, though.

Would your friends like him?

Yes. Patrick’s jolly and light-hearted; he tells a good story and has plenty of life experience, too.

PATRICK, 47

Single for just over three years, one daughter, 12. 

Dating Past?

I was with the mother of my daughter for nearly 14 years. Since we split, there have been a few short-term liaisons, but none any longer than three months. I’m on the apps, but they’re hit and miss. It doesn’t help that I tend to work weekends.

Pre-Date Nerves?

I’m an outgoing guy, so not really. I told a few friends, but didn’t tell my daughter – she doesn’t need to know about her dad’s love life.

First Impressions?

Awkward because I approached Anna from behind and I think I made her jump. She is a very attractive woman, and was wearing a long denim dress. I was a bit rock ’n’ roll wearing a jacket and grey jeans. I like to think that physically we were well matched.

Patrick (pictured), 47, is an antiques dealer. He's been single for just over three years and has one daughter, aged 12

Easy To Talk To?

Yes, I was worried that because Anna said she was ‘free-spirited’ on her application form, she might be vegan. Turns out she doesn’t eat artificial or refined sugar. 

Initially it was a bit, ‘Oh, crikey! What can we order?’ But it was fine; she even managed strawberries and cream for dessert.

Embarrassing Moments?

There were two elderly couples at the table next to us and they were 100 per cent listening to our conversation. When they left, one of the women leaned over and said: ‘Enjoy the rest of your meal.’

Did Sparks Fly?

We’re both independent people, but there was a bit of attraction there. I sometimes miss the signals but there was some mild flirting going on. Nothing as crude as double entendres, though.

See her again?

We live far apart but I am planning a road trip around Ireland and the ferry port is not a million miles from where Anna lives, so who knows?

Patrick would like to meet an attractive woman who is independent and has experienced career success

What do you think she thought of you?

I don’t know! Probably that I talk too much? I did wonder afterwards if she asked herself: ‘Will he ever shut up?’

Would your family and friends like her?

Yes, Anna would fit into my world. She is friendly and approachable with a nice smile.

ANNA'S VERDICT: 9/10

LIKED? The laughter.

REGRETS? None at all.

COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee as friends.

PATRICK'S VERDICT: 9/10 

LIKED? Anna’s zest for life.

REGRETS? No, it was a good date.

COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.