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

This week, it was Maria and Brian’s turn to seek out some romance.

Read on to find out what happened…

Maria, 37

Dating Past?

I had a three-year relationship with my first love in my early 20s. There were a few more before 30, but none lasted longer than six months. Now in my mid-30s, I’m looking for someone to start a family with.

Pre-Date Nerves?

hopeful than nervous. My mum was excited, too. She wants a little granddaughter.

First Impressions?

I was dumbfounded because Brian looked like he was in his mid-20s. He had to convince me he really was 36. He is cute: tall with dark, sparkling eyes and strong sexual energy. I can appreciate he has sex appeal, but it’s not the kind of ‘ready-to-settle-down’ appeal that draws me in.

Easy To Talk To?

I’m my clean era – I’m into yoga, don’t drink and am a vegetarian – so I had a salad. Brian ordered steak tartare assuming that meant steak with tartare sauce. The look on his face when raw meat arrived! Horrified, he said: ‘I’ve got a live cow on my plate.’

Beyond that, we didn’t delve into our exes or history. Brian didn’t ask me many questions, but I wasn’t offended. The date was a light-hearted one rather than an intense meeting of minds.

Embarrassing Moments?

Brian came to sit next to me and was touching my hand and leg. It was fine, but he was going too fast for me.

Did Sparks Fly?

I flirted a little and laughed at his jokes. But I definitely put up a bit of a wall. I need to take my time before deciding if I like someone. We exchanged Instagrams and said goodbye with a hug.

See him again?

Yes, but not as a second date. I’d prefer to be with someone more mature. Still, he’s got amazing energy and made me laugh a lot.

What do you think he thought of you?

Initially I didn’t think I was his type, but Brian did his best to see if we could make something more of the date.

Would your family like him?

They’d welcome anyone I rated. And Brian is a friendly guy with bags of good energy.

Brian, 36

Dating Past?

I’ve had five serious relationships but I’ve been solidly single for the last year because I genuinely can’t find anyone committed to the prospect of settling down. Apparently, that’s too scary for millennial women in 2025.

Pre-Date Nerves?

I’d be lying if I said no. But I’m typically attracted to high-maintenance women who sound like trouble, so my ears pricked up when I read she placed a big emphasis on creating a space for fun in her life.

First Impressions?

Maria stood up to give me a hug and a kiss. She was wearing a modest little red dress – one that didn’t say ‘let’s go clubbing afterwards’ – and you could tell she was over 30. That sounds bad, but I look and dress like I’m in my 20s.

Easy To Talk To?

Yes, Maria was super comfortable around me. The only issue was the food. I didn’t realise steak tartare was, in fact, raw cow with a raw egg on top of it. I was properly disgusted. Maria is vegetarian so she let me have some of her asparagus. We went to a McDonald’s afterwards for a McFlurry.

Embarrassing Moments?

The food was awful. I’m sure I’m not the only diner not to realise steak tartare is raw meat.

Did Sparks Fly?

I did ask: ‘Are we seeing one another again?’ She said yes but seemed on the fence about it. Our kiss at the end of the date was a PG-rated one. On reflection, the whole date was a flirt-free zone.

See her again?

I’d like to see her again – but it wasn’t a ‘hell yeah!’ Also, she hasn’t responded to my texts and I am big on communication. Rude! I’m a bit offended.

What do you think she thought of you?

I didn’t get a ‘you’re handsome’ compliment. Instead, she repeatedly said I looked very young. When I walked in, she was worried I was a university student.

Would your family like her?

Yes, Maria is sweet. But ultimately the decision lies with me, and I’ll only pursue Maria if she sets my heart on fire.

Maria’s verdict: 8/10

Liked? Brian’s energy.

Regrets? None, we laughed a lot.

Coffee or cab? Coffee as friends.

Brian’s verdict: 8.5/10

Liked? That we both speak Spanish.

Regrets? The food – terrible.

Coffee or cab? Coffee.