Who’ll find love on our blind date? This week it’s Karen, 46 and Laurence, 46

KAREN, 46,

Dating Past

I was with my children’s father for 17 years. We got together when I was just 17. Since we split I’ve had a three-year relationship, followed by another that lasted four years. My last relationship was, against my better judgment, with a married man for 14 months. Naturally, it didn’t end well.

Pre-Date Nerves?

No, you get to a certain stage in life when you take things in your stride. My cousin put me forward for this — we’re always moaning that we’d like to meet someone our age but when it gets to Friday evening, we’re always too tired to go out.

First Impressions?

I was ten minutes early and Laurence arrived a couple of minutes late. He seemed shy and spoke quietly. I was wearing a zebra-print dress with black ankle boots, while Laurence wore a pale pink shirt with a navy jumper, blue chinos and brown pointy shoes. I know I’m fussy, but I didn’t like those shoes!

Easy To Talk To?

Laurence got his wires crossed as he assumed I liked cycling, but I enjoy walking. As I now live in the countryside, I go for long treks in the forest near my Kent home and out hiking with my girlfriends. I explained to Laurence that I suffer with coeliac disease. I don’t like being seen as high- maintenance but it means I have to avoid certain foods.

Embarrassing Moments?

Poor Laurence got confused with the cutlery order and started from the inside out. It meant he used his steak knife on his smoked salmon. I didn’t say anything, but the waitress did.

Did Sparks Fly?

While I think Laurence liked me, there weren’t any sparks on my part. For me, there has to be an immediate attraction to someone.

See him again?

As a friend, yes. He enjoyed my sense of humour and laughed at the things I said. When we parted, Laurence asked for my number and I gave it.

What do you think he thought of you?

That I’m possibly a bit of a crank, I don’t know. I said to Laurence that in the past, I’ve been told I’m feisty. Apparently, he could see why that might have been said.

Would your friends like him?

I got a picture of us together and sent it to some friends; the consensus was they couldn’t see us together. But I think they’d like him as a person.

LAURENCE, 46

Dating Past

I was in a five-year relationship when I was in my 20s and again in my 30s. Looking back, the relationships were doomed to fail because they were based on physical attraction. Even though I lived with them on both occasions, they were the wrong people for me. Nowadays, my next-door neighbours are constantly trying to set me up with women.

Pre-Date Nerves?

No, you get to a certain age and occasions such as dates don’t bother you. I went with an open mind.

First Impressions?

Karen is a petite brunette. She gave me a warm welcome. She struck me as a friendly and chatty woman with whom I would have a good time.

Easy To Talk To?

As soon as I sat down, Karen explained that she has coeliac disease and had already checked out the menu. Karen went for scallops, sea bass and then a sorbet, while I ordered smoked salmon, a steak fillet and a sticky toffee pudding.

Karen had a vodka and tonic while I had a lemonade. I’m not teetotal, I’d usually order a pint, but we were at the kind of fancy restaurant where, I suspect, they don’t serve draught.

Karen told me about her family and asked me about my holidays. My sister has a chalet near Great Yarmouth and because Mum isn’t too well, we meet there as a family regularly. I think Karen appreciated that I’m close to my family, especially as she has 15 uncles and aunts.

Embarrassing Moments?

I used my steak knife on my starter, which our waitress pointed out to me. Karen smiled, she hadn’t said anything because she isn’t the kind of person to comment negatively. She isn’t a princess or pretentious, which I liked.

Did Sparks Fly?

For me, yes. I’d like to see her again. Karen did flick and play with her hair, but then she also crossed her arms, too. I’d conclude that I received mixed signals. That said, she was quick to give me her number.

See her again?

Yes, my ideal date scenario is a drink together in a quieter bar or pub. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the restaurant. It was great to be in Central London after the past couple of years.

What do you think she thought of you?

I think she found me easygoing.

Would your family like her?

Yes. Karen has no airs or graces, she’s down to earth and those values are important in my family.

Fancy a posh meal 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