‘I suggested we go on for a drink, but he threw me a weird look, so I gave up’: Sheba and Vikas fail to hit it off on this week’s Blind Date
- Every week, FEMAIL asks two singletons to report back from their blind date
- Would you like us to find you a date? Are you a singleton, or is there someone you’d like to send on a blind date? Email: [email protected]
SHEBA, 44
Single, with a six-year-old daughter
Dating past?
I’ve had four major relationships and was engaged to the father of my daughter. We broke up when I was three months pregnant after being together for nearly four years. I’ve been single for three-and-a-half years and find it hard to date as a single parent.
Pre-Date Nerves?
Yes, this was my first ever blind date. But I made a real effort and wore a black dress and heels so I knew I would feel good.
First Impressions?
Vikas seemed like a considerate and kind man — he had brought a headband for my daughter and a scarf for me. He was smartly dressed in a shirt and jacket, but I didn’t initially think he was my type.
He has quite a conservative look and I tend to go for sporty men. But he has a nice face and lovely smile.
Sheba, 44, is single, with a six-year-old daughter. She has had four major relationships and was engaged to the father of her daughter
Easy To Talk To?
He’s on the same single-parent WhatsApp group as me. Gingerbread is a charity which helps put local single parents in touch.
We chatted about our kids, but it felt weird that he knew a lot about my situation and my break-up because of the group. These aren’t things you necessarily discuss on a first date. I’m not sure we had much in common besides our children.
Embarrassing Moments?
I spent far too much time talking about my food intolerances, which I apologised for.
Did sparks fly?
Not as far as I know. He gave me no sign at all that he liked me. I tried flirting by touching his arm a few times, but he didn’t respond.
I suggested we go on for a drink after the meal, but he threw me a weird look so I gave up. Instead of a kiss or a hug goodbye, he gave my shoulder a slight squeeze. It’s a shame — but since I was already dressed up, I went to a piano bar for some dancing anyway.
Sheba has been single for three-and-a-half years and says she finds it hard to date as a single parent
Would you like to meet again?
I would see him again but I wouldn’t expect it to be romantic and I wouldn’t make as much effort. Surely if he’d been interested he’d have gone for a drink?
What do you think he thought of you?
I would say he didn’t see me romantically at all. We had different energy levels. He might be a slow burner but it’s hard to tell.
Would your family and friends like him?
They’d like him, but might not immediately match him to me.
VIKAS, 44
Divorced with a ten-year-old daughter
Dating past?
I was married for 11 years, but sadly it didn’t work out as we have different values and parenting styles. I’ve been single for four years and dabbled with online dating but found it very forced. I’m an active single father so I don’t have much free time.
Pre-Date Nerves?
None at all. I was looking forward to meeting Sheba. I wore a shirt and jacket and got some presents for her and her daughter to make a good impression.
Vikas, 44, is divorced with a ten-year-old daughter. He was married for 11 years, but says it didn’t work out as they have different values and parenting styles
BLIND DATE VITAL STATISTICS
SHEBA
Single, with a six-year-old daughter.
CURRENT ROLE
Property manager and special educational needs coordinator.
WOULD LIKE TO MEET
Someone who is kind, thoughtful and practical with a creative spark.
VIKAS
Divorced with a ten-year-old daughter.
CURRENT ROLE
Job in the civil service.
WOULD LIKE TO MEET
Someone open-minded, respectful and honest who likes to explore new things. I’m not into women who are controlling.
First Impressions?
I was pleasantly surprised. She was lovely and seemed friendly. I realised she was in the same message group for single parents as me which is such a coincidence.
Easy To Talk To?
We talked a lot about single parenting. She is her daughter’s sole carer, whereas my daughter’s mother and I are equal parents.
I was impressed with how much Sheba has achieved. She’s a strong, confident woman who is so hands-on with her daughter and is great at DIY, which I’m rubbish at.
Normally on a date you would sit opposite each other but we were seated side by side — she caught me watching the other tables a few times because there was so much going on, but I did try to make eye contact as much as possible.
Embarrassing Moments?
She said she was embarrassed when she had to send her starter back due to food allergies, but it didn’t bother me at all.
Did Sparks Fly?
I don’t think so. Neither of us were in that zone. It might have been nice to go for a walk before the date to break the ice. But I got a feeling we are too comfortable in our own single-parenting world. That said, she’s a lovely person and it was only our first meeting.
Would you like to meet again?
I followed up with a message the next day so maybe we can keep in touch. I’m so new to this dating game and I’m not sure how to go about it to be honest.
Vikas says he’s looking for someone open-minded, respectful and honest who likes to explore new things
What do you think she thought of you?
I don’t know. There was no lull in conversation but I’m not sure there was any chemistry either.
Would your family and friends like her?
I think so. She’s a feisty, beautiful woman and a great mum.
SHEBA’S VERDICT: 6/10
LIKED? He was sweet.
REGRETS? Only that I spent so long getting ready.
COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.
VIKAS’S VERDICT: 7/10
LIKED? Sheba.
REGRETS? I had no regrets at all.
COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.
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