SHELLEY, 42

Single for six years, two daughters aged 18 and 15.

Dating Past

I was married for 16 years. Since then I’ve had a few dates, but guys seem to be either looking for a replacement wife or a mother — someone to take care of them or to fix something in their life.

Pre-Date Nerves?

No — life is about making the most of every moment.

Primary school teacher Shelley, 42, has been single for six years. She has two daughters, aged 18 and 15

First Impressions?

Adam was on his phone when I arrived but he put it down straight away when he saw me and got up to say hello. We exchanged a peck on the cheek. He’s very handsome.

Easy To Talk To?

In a word, no. For most of the date, I was the one making the effort.

Adam seemed very distracted and, at one point, took a call from his ex. Apparently, she had to go out, so Adam asked her to drop off their children at his parents’ house. We were clock-watching from that point onwards. Not that I minded, as the date was going so badly.

I was also a bit surprised when Adam mentioned it was his son’s birthday. Why would he agree to a blind date on such a special day?

The one interesting tidbit he shared was that he wasn’t interested in marriage, and told me his dad was on his third wife.

Embarrassing Moments?

Adam hadn’t spotted his chicken didn’t come with chips, so he started eating my side order of fries by mistake. Fortunately, the waiter noticed and ordered me some more. Adam seemed pretty embarrassed, going on about how odd it was that they’d serve chicken with no side dish. It was the most animated he got.

Did Sparks Fly?

Not really. Adam was a closed book. His body language was pretty cold and he kept tapping his foot.

Shelley would like to meet an intelligent man who is focused on self-improvement 

See him again?

Probably not. We’re in very different places in our lives. Adam is studying at college while working full-time, catching up for what he never achieved while at school. Apart from football twice a week, he doesn’t have any hobbies. I need someone who really embraces life — that isn’t him.

What do you think he thought of you?

I didn’t get the feeling he wanted to be there with me. He didn’t ask me a single thing about myself.

Would your friends and family like him?

My daughters just want me to be happy. But my friends would realise Adam and I aren’t a match, as our principles aren’t aligned.

ADAM, 38

Single for six years, two sons aged 14 and ten.

Dating Past 

I split with my children’s mum six years ago. My sons think I should meet someone new, but I’ve been concentrating on my career for the past few years, studying to move into a more managerial role. Dating would be a big distraction, but the right woman would be a welcome addition to my life.

Pre-Date Nerves?

Yes — it’s the fear of the unknown. I last went on a date in the spring. Before that, I hadn’t been on a date for a few years.

Adam, 38, is a mechanical technician at a power station. Single for six years, he has two sons, aged 14 and ten

First Impressions?

Good. At 5 ft 7 in (I’m 5 ft 11 in), Shelley is tall. I was nursing a beer, so the first thing I did was ensure she ordered a drink and she went for Prosecco, which surprised me, as her date application mentioned she rarely drinks. I said as much and Shelley got a bit defensive, so we didn’t get off to the best start.

Easy To Talk To?

Shelley was a bit nervous at the start, so I got the conversation going. We’ve both got children and exchanged stories about them. She was a bit surprised I was out on my son’s birthday, but I’d already ruled out Sundays for our blind date because I play football and nothing gets in the way of my games.

Embarrassing Moments?

I tipped the entire container of Shelley’s fries on to my plate just before the waiter pointed out they weren’t for me.

Did Sparks Fly?

There wasn’t a spark for me. I’m just dipping my toe back in the dating pool and this was a lovely way to do it. If I had fancied Shelley, I would have flirted with her. But as I didn’t, there wasn’t any point leading her on.

Adam would like to meet a kind straight-talker with natural good looks

See her again?

As a friend, yes — although I suspect Shelley would be better suited to someone taller. At 5ft 7in and wearing heels, she is too tall for me. I prefer my women to be smaller than I am.

What do you think she thought of you?

I’m not sure. In the nicest possible way, I suspect we both knew it wasn’t going to go any further. I could tell she didn’t fancy me and, to be fair, I felt the same way — the connection just wasn’t there.

Would your friends and family like her?

Yes, because Shelley is a nice person and easy to open up to.

SHELLEY’S VERDICT: 7/10

Liked? The restaurant was lovely.

Regrets? None whatsoever.

Coffee or cab? Cab.

ADAM’S VERDICT: 6/10

Liked? The food we had was incredible.

Regrets? I arrived too early.

Coffee or cab? Cab