‘I’d see him again… as a friend’: They were almost perfectly matched from their hobbies to their shoes – but this is the reason why this week’s Blind Date didn’t end in love

Every week, FEMAIL asks two singletons to report back from their blind date.

Today, Elisha and Henry, both 24, recount their lunch, where they bonded over their love of nerd culture and Doctor Who…

ELISHA, 24

Single for 18 months, no children. 

Dating past?

At 19, I dated an older man for eight months. He was 40 and my first love, yet we had to hide ‘us’ because he had a long-term partner. The experience has made me wary.

And in all the relationships I’ve had since, I never feel like first choice. I’m more the woman who gets dumped when something better comes along.

Pre-date nerves?

Very much so. I’m not used to a first date feeling like such a big deal – so often, the men I meet are only interested in casual sex with no strings attached.

First impressions?

Henry stood up, shook my hand and introduced himself. Unprompted, he told me I looked really nice. He looked very presentable and gave off a kind and welcoming energy.

Easy to talk to?

Yes! Henry does a lot of cosplay. What does that mean? The best way to describe it is typically you dress up as your favourite film or TV character and go to conventions with people who do the same.

I went to one years ago as a Pokemon character, while Henry is a massive Doctor Who fan. He suggested we both say our favourite Doctor after the count of three. Henry’s is the 1980s version of the Doctor, Colin Baker, while mine is Tom Baker.

I talked to him about the Dungeons And Dragons game I’m currently working on with a friend.

Embarrassing moments?

While we were eating, some sauce dripped onto Henry’s shirt. I didn’t notice, but Henry pointed it out. I reassured him this usually happens to me, too.

Did sparks fly?

There wasn’t an instant ‘whoa’ with Henry, but we shared a warm, friendly connection. Still, I’ve learnt the hard way that instant attraction is all well and good but it can get you into trouble – so a friendly connection is a much more solid start to a relationship.

See him again?

Yes, as a friend. After lunch, Henry suggested we went to a comic book store, which we both enjoyed, although I had to rush for my train.

What do you think he thought of you?

Hopefully that I was friendly; there were no signs he wanted to be anywhere else than with me. And, no, he didn’t touch on the fact my hair is currently green.

Would your family like him?

I’ve not had a proper boyfriend I could ever introduce to my family, but yes they really would like Henry. My dad and brother are geeky and nerdy – just like him.

Henry, 24

Single since 2019 – I think.

Dating past?

There’s been a bit of a drought lately. I’ve tried a few of the apps but they’re hopeless. One woman told me she was a bit low on cash and asked me to send her some money via PayPal. My most recent relationship lasted six months, but she broke it off because she wanted to be single for university. I’m probably a unique date, to be fair – as a kid, I created a replica of the Tardis in my garden.

Pre-date nerves?

A bit – I arrived at the restaurant 30 minutes early and had to keep reassuring the waiter my date was going to turn up.

First impressions?

I knew Elisha was my date the second she arrived because we were in a posh restaurant and she was the only youngish person with green hair. I thought the colour was cool and really suited her.

Easy to talk to?

Yes, we’re both quite nerdy so we talked about Doctor Who. We concluded the latest series is a bit of a mixed bag. Elisha is from a family of nerds. Her dad has a large comic book collection including 1970s Spider-Man books. We were compatible with our meals, too. We both had steak and a soft drink.

Embarrassing moments?

I accompanied Elisha to the station and wanted to see her on to the train. But for some reason, my ticket wouldn’t let me through the barrier so we had to say goodbye across the partition.

Did sparks fly?

I think so. I will stress that for a first date it was a friendly, positive interaction rather than one with any sexual overtures. While I didn’t pick up on any flirting, there was something going on between us.

See her again?

Maybe, I’d like to. I suggested we meet up for a drink next time we’re both in London and she seemed up for that.

Fun fact: when we stood up to leave the restaurant we discovered I was wearing a pair of green Doc Marten boots and Elisha had on a pair of rainbow Vans trainers. We have both got the other’s footwear at home.

What do you think she thought of you?

That I’m quite fun, maybe slightly nerdy? I don’t know! I thought Elisha was a sweet and attractive person. If I had to sum her up in one word it would be cute.

Would your family like her?

My mum would absolutely love her and I say that knowing Mum isn’t generally keen on most people. She can spot someone genuine and that’s Elisha.

ELISHA’S VERDICT: 7.5/10 

LIKED? He’s a good talker.

REGRETS? I don’t think so.

COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.

HENRY’S VERDICT: 9/10 

LIKED? Meeting a gorgeous fellow nerd.

REGRETS? I talked too much.

COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.