Tina, 44, (pictured) who has been separated for five years, is a sports massage therapist
TINA, 44
Dating Past?
I was married for 11 years. We separated after my husband retired from professional sport. Since then, I’ve been on a series of disastrous dates — one guy took me for dinner and asked me if I shaved my big toes. My mum even tried to take matters into her own hands and set me up with a man who was clearly gay. We did have a laugh about it.
Pre-Date Nerves?
Not at all. I’m not really a nervous person — I go wild swimming on the Atlantic coastline even in winter, and run with my dogs several times a week, so this didn’t phase me.
Our lunch date was the day before a four-week lockdown in Belfast, so it felt like our last hurrah.
First Impressions?
When I first saw Neil I immediately liked his muscly physique, short blond hair and tan. He clearly takes care of his appearance and looked good in a designer T-shirt and jeans. We started with a glass of white wine each.
Easy To Talk To?
I wasn’t shocked when Neil said he had seen me before. I used to be married to a rugby player so people in Belfast often recognise me. It can be frustrating, but that’s my past life and now I’m trying hard to live in the present.
When we worked out we have friends in common, it helped put me at ease. You can tell a lot about a man by the company he keeps.
Neil and I share similar interests, for example we both love the ocean — he’s a surfer. He is clearly an intelligent person and has studied everything from psychology to nutrition.
Embarrassing Moments?
I suspect Neil may spend longer getting ready than me
His dogs made me laugh I must admit. He has a chihuahua and a Yorkshire terrier cross called Pammie Anderson who was wearing a black puffer jacket. I thought it was hilarious that a man of his stature owned such small dogs.
Did you click?
Neil ticks so many boxes and we share a lust for life, but he isn’t the type of guy I usually go for. I prefer someone more conservative and preppy in appearance. Neil looks like he might spend more time getting ready than me.
What do you think he thought of you?
I’m not sure, hopefully that I’m a nice person! I think he’s after someone more glamorous than me.
Would your family like him?
Yes, he was a true gent. He gave me a lift home even though it was out of his way. My mum would definitely approve.
NEIL, 40
Dating Past?
Neil, 40, (pictured) who has been single for one year, is a fitness trainer
It’s just me, my chihuahua Rico and Yorkshire cross Pammie Anderson at the moment. Everyone laughs at their names, but Pammie got me through heartbreak.
I’ve been engaged twice: the first relationship ended badly after many years together, and I realised my second fiancee was just too different to me.
I’ve lived all over the world, including in Canada, Spain and Australia — now I just want to meet someone and start a family.
Pre-date nerves?
I don’t get nervous, but I’m what you might call an extroverted introvert. I’m comfortable in one-on-one situations, but shy in a larger group environment.
First Impressions?
I was worried about traffic, so I arrived early. Typically, it was only when I went to the bathroom that Tina arrived. She is a well presented, attractive woman and looked lovely in a black top with matching skirt and heels.
Easy to talk to?
It’s typical of Belfast that I recognised Tina. I knew I’d met her before, but I couldn’t place her face. Still, I was happy that it removed some of the formality of a blind date. I’ve actually recently become friends with her ex-husband — we mainly see each other at the gym.
Luckily Tina and I were more interested in talking about our interests and how you’ll find us both in the sea when we have time off. We also talked about children — Tina is passionate about her family’s wellbeing.
Embarrassing moments?
Only when Pammie surprised Tina in the car. But Tina is a dog lover too, and she was gentle and kind to the dogs.
I instantly recognised Tina – I’m friends with her ex-husband
Did you click?
There was a relaxed atmosphere because we have mutual friends.
Tina is lovely, but she is at a different stage in the romantic timeline. She already has a family, while I aspire to have my own some day. Nonetheless we spent a lovely couple of hours together.
What do you think she thought of you?
Hopefully that I’m a decent person — and reasonably attractive, too.
Would your friends like her?
Yes, Tina is someone you could put into any situation and she would light up the room.
Would you like us to find you a date ? Fancy a date with an eligible single like you? Or would you like to play Cupid for someone else? Email your — or their — details and a photo to blinddate@dailymail.co.uk