Sonia, 51, a goldsmith, and Richard, 55, an interim consultant, were matched for a blind date in hopes of finding connection beyond the digital dating grind.
Sonia on Richard
After growing tired of online dating's lack of authenticity, Sonia hoped for a refreshing evening that would restore her faith in real-life romance. She found herself pleasantly surprised by Richard, describing him as warm, well-presented, and possessing “a cheeky twinkle in his eye.” Conversation flowed naturally, touching on travel, work, family – and especially their shared passion for cycling.
“There weren’t any awkward moments,” Sonia reflected. “His table manners were impeccable – old-school elegance, no elbows on the table, using the cutlery in the right order. If we’d had port, I’m sure he’d have passed it the correct way.”
The highlight? Richard’s endless travel and bicycle stories. “He’s intelligent, interesting, and genuinely interested,” she said.
Still, despite the smooth evening, Sonia felt something was missing. “There just wasn’t an attraction for me,” she admitted. “I’d change that, if I could. Also, our restaurant had a ‘Push for Champagne’ button – I’d have pressed it a few more times!”
The evening ended with a walk to the station and a friendly hug. “He’s a 10 – just not my 10,” Sonia said, awarding the evening an 8.5. “I’m going to continue my search.”
Richard on Sonia
Richard entered the date with sincere hopes – “Without being corny, to meet someone.” He found Sonia to be smiling, slightly nervous, and attractive on first impression.
The two spoke easily across a range of topics, from work and travel to swimming and the logistics of cycling through London. One quirky highlight: Sonia’s freezer-pack method for cooling down on hot days – in your socks, under your arms, and on your chest.
Then came a surprise mid-date revelation. “She told me there wasn’t a spark,” Richard said, “but strangely, it wasn’t awkward. We’d drunk some vodka by then.”
Despite the lack of romantic chemistry, Richard had nothing but praise for Sonia: “She’s fun, genuine, and interesting. She’s a great listener and easy to talk to. My friends would get along with her.”
Though there was no kiss – just a goodbye hug – Richard still described the night as a 10, at least as a dinner companion. “If I could change one thing,” he said, “it would be the romantic chemistry. But the food, vodka, and conversation were excellent.”
Would he meet her again? “As friends – yes.”
Final Verdict:
Sonia and Richard shared laughter, conversation, and even dessert – but the spark didn’t strike. Still, the evening was far from a failure. It was a night of mutual respect, shared stories, and good company – just not the start of a love story.
