Rachanaa, 36, (pictured) is an entrepreneur, who is divorced and has no children
RACHANAA, 36
DATING PAST?
I was married for seven years, but we split — amicably — because we kept disagreeing over mundane, everyday things. Since then, I dated one guy for a couple of months but it didn’t work out.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
I was slightly nervous because I was delayed by 40 minutes because of a London Tube strike, then I got soaked in the pouring rain, which definitely made me feel a bit flustered.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
Zaid is handsome and slim, but I wasn’t a fan of his jewellery. He was wearing a necklace, rings and bracelets — it was too much for me. He was courteous, though, and stood up when I arrived at the table and gave me a hug.
I had chosen a pink, sparkly dress because the colour is associated with love. He was wearing a smart black jumper with jeans.
EASY TO TALK TO?
Zaid is a psychologist and so I wasn’t too surprised when he started asking me questions about my parents, my siblings and my profession. He seemed interested and not egotistical.
Halfway through our meal, we followed one another on Instagram — it seemed to be the easiest way to show each other what we like to do in our spare time.
EMBARRASING MOMENTS?
I’d tower over him in heels – and I don’t like his jewellery
As Zaid was familiar with the restaurant, he chose the appetisers. Then he ordered fish as a main course. I had to explain that I’m vegetarian and prefer to date men who are the same. Failing that, I explained, I try to turn men I like to vegetarianism. He told me he’d be happy to be converted.
DID SPARKS FLY?
No, Zaid is a nice guy, but he isn’t a match for me. Also, he is 5ft 4in and I’m 5ft 3in. I’d worry about towering over him whenever I wore heels.
SEE HIM AGAIN?
I feel we could be friends, but I don’t see a future with him.
WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?
Well, he was trying to convince me to go on another date . . .
WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HIM?
Yes, he’s knowledgable, but they’d know he’s not for me.
Zaid, 33, (pictured) is a psychology lecturer, who has been single for a year and has no children
ZAID, 33
DATING PAST?
I’ve always been in long-term relationships, as I’ve never believed in ‘no strings attached’. I was with my first girlfriend for more than two years, the second for three years and I was with my fiancée for four years before we broke up a year ago.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
None, and even if I did have jitters, they would have gone long before we finally sat down, 40 minutes after the agreed time.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
Rachanaa was well-dressed and definitely looked good; she has nice eyes and her lipstick suited her. But I don’t go by physical impressions. A person’s values and character matter.
EASY TO TALK TO?
I recognised from the way Rachanaa looked at me that I’d made a mistake from the get-go when I told her that I eat meat and fish. She’s a vegetarian. I was vegan for two years, but I quit as it wasn’t working with my lifestyle. I work as a personal trainer in my spare time and go to the gym regularly. I have found I need to eat protein, so I ordered a salmon starter and then a prawn pasta main dish.
Rachanaa wasn’t having any of it. It’s her way or the highway. When she started talking about other guys she was seeing, I knew things weren’t going any further between us. I was surprised she’d drop something like that into conversation on a first date.
She came across as a bit of a diva. It’s her way or the highway
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
The chocolate profiteroles for dessert came as four balls, but Rachanaa demanded a smaller portion of just two. There was no negotiating with her; she came across as a bit of a diva.
DID SPARKS FLY?
No, as I think she’s too high maintenance. It’s a shame because we do have a lot in common; we both love Bollywood and dancing. I think we could be friends.
SEE HER AGAIN?
I doubt she’ll want to see me again once she’s read this. I guess it’s possible she behaved that way because she was nervous. In other circumstances, I’d consider a second date to confirm things one way or the other.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?
The moment I ordered fish, things went topsy-turvy between us. I’d say I was in with a chance until then.
WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HER?
Probably not. Even though Rachanaa is ambitious and smart, they wouldn’t think much of her demeanour with waiting staff.
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