BLIND DATE: ‘I don’t judge men on their looks… but I just can’t get past his height. It is just too short for me!’ So what did Tanmay make of Joyce after hearing HER brutal assessment?

Every week, the Daily Mail asks two singletons to report back from their blind date. This week, Joyce and Tanmay recount their dinner date experience. Read on to find out how it went…
Joyce, 24
Vital statistics: Very single, never had a boyfriend, no children.
Current role: I’m a media business owner specialising in film production.
Would like to meet: Homeowner with a stable income and a youthful spirit.
Dating past?
I’ve been on dates and had short-term flings but never a boyfriend, as I am focused on my career.
Joyce, 24, said: ‘I don’t normally judge men on their physical appearance, but height is the one thing I can’t get past’
I’ve come off the dating apps because they became too much. I should probably feel flattered that my phone was constantly buzzing, but balancing several guys at once was exhausting.
Pre-date nerves?
None. I arrived late for both the photoshoot and the date but that’s life, isn’t it?
First impressions?
Tanmay is a very charming and attractive guy with lots of good energy. However, he is 5ft 6in, whereas I’m 5ft 9in. I’m afraid it put me off completely. I don’t normally judge men on their physical appearance, but height is the one thing I can’t get past.
That said, he looked phenomenal. We politely hugged one another to say hello.
Easy to talk to?
Yes, Tanmay is one of life’s good guys. I ordered onion soup and was upset when it arrived covered with a thick layer of cheese, bread and all sorts of other bits and pieces. It wasn’t very drinkable at all. Tanmay immediately offered to have it changed for me.
I then ordered steak frites, yet it arrived with eggs as well. Once again, Tanmay offered to sort it out for me.
If I complained about anything, he was on it immediately. That was such a relief because most modern men aren’t like that. His attentiveness earned him a gold star.
Embarrassing moments?
Yes! There was a mirror directly behind Tanmay’s head, and I kept looking into it to check my reflection. After I’d done this about six times, he finally asked what I was staring at. When I explained, he said: ‘Oh my days, Joyce. Look, take it from me – you look fine.’
Did sparks fly?
I really want to say yes, but no. I’m afraid there was nothing romantic between us at all. Still, I enjoy talking to new guys and I’m always curious about them, even if only on a surface level.
See him again?
No, not romantically. Towards the end of the date, I became a little bored and wanted to go home. When he asked if I wanted another drink, I turned the question back on him. Even he admitted it was probably time for us to leave.
What do you think he thought of you?
It was very difficult to tell because Tanmay is such a polite person. I hope he had a positive experience with me.
Would your friends like him?
Yes. Tanmay is cool, a man you could genuinely rely on.
Tanmay, 24
Vital statistics: Single for three years, with no children.
Current role: Graphic designer.
Would like to meet: Someone funny, easy to talk to and with good energy. I wouldn’t suit anyone uptight or egotistical.
Dating past?
I was in a five-year relationship and have been single for three years since it ended. I’ve only been on one or two casual dates during that time.
Tanmay, 24, said: ‘The height difference would be an issue. I’d look like a small child next to Joyce’
Pre-date nerves?
Yes. I’m actually an introvert, although nerves and excitement often have a habit of making me appear outgoing.
First impressions?
Joyce is certainly a striking-looking woman. Is she attractive? I mean, she’s not unattractive. However, the height difference would be an issue. I’d look like a small child next to Joyce.
Aside from that, she initially came across as a lovely woman.
Easy to talk to?
Yes. Joyce is outgoing and loves to chat. I learnt a great deal about her career. She has a production team working for her and her business has received funding from the King’s Trust.
However, we didn’t touch on any interests or hobbies outside our jobs because the conversation remained focused on work.
Joyce is an attractive, intelligent woman, but I don’t think she’s currently in the right frame of mind to settle down.
Embarrassing moments?
Probably my choice of cocktail. Joyce encouraged me to have one with her and mine was chocolate-based, but didn’t taste like it. Joyce said I should complain – instead I downed it in one. It made Joyce laugh.
Did sparks fly?
No, neither of us behaved flirtatiously. If she did flirt with me, then I completely missed it. We’re living in two very different worlds. I enjoy my career, but I also have a social life outside it. I’m not sure the same could be said for Joyce. By the end of the date, we both wanted to get home.
See her again?
Yes. Joyce needs a website designed, and that is part of my portfolio of work, so we’ll see whether anything comes of that. We exchanged numbers at the station and have been in touch since.
What do you think she thought of you?
She asked whether I was a model after I made her laugh – apparently it was my animated delivery that prompted the question! I’m not, but I was flattered.
Whether Joyce fancied me is another matter. I’m hopeless at reading those signals.
Would your friends like her?
Yes. Joyce is an open-hearted, warm and funny woman. However, she arrived late so I’m not sure my friends would be quite as keen on her punctuality.
Joyce’s verdict: 6/10
Liked? It felt like we were two old friends just having a catch-up.
Regrets? None.
Coffee or cab? Cab.
Tanmay’s Verdict: 9/10
Liked? Joyce’s sassy attitude.
Regrets? None.
Coffee or cab? Coffee – but as friends.
