'I went in for a hug - I think she just meant to shake hands': Find out if it was a match on this week's Blind Date

Sadhu, 28 Single for five months

Dating past?

I moved to London from India in 2019 to study for an MBA, but I fell in love with one of my classmates so I stayed and we lived together for three years. Since then, I have been single, although I dated a guy I met on an app for four months this year.

Pre-date nerves?

If anything, I was very relaxed about having the whole day organised for me; dating in 2024 is hard work.

First impressions?

Colourful! George was wearing a bright outfit – a green shirt and orange trousers – which I hadn't expected. However, the look suited him. We hugged one another hello and, although it wasn't awkward, I felt he was a bit nervous about it.

Easy to talk to?

At first, I wasn't sure about being matched with someone younger than me. But George is a mature guy, he owns his own flat, and as a solicitor he has a very good career.

More than that, outside work he writes music and performs in amateur dramatic productions. When he went through what he'd achieved, I wasn't envious – in fact, he spurred me on.

Embarrassing moments?

Yes, I thought a plate of fries was for us to share but they were George's side dish. I apologised for eating some but he didn't mind a bit. Instead he paid me a compliment, saying he liked the fact I'd dived in.

Did sparks fly?

It's too soon to say if there is any romantic chemistry. I haven't dated anyone like George before, but we had so much in common that my perspective on him changed.

By the end of the date, physical traits took a backseat because I found him pretty cute.

See him again?

Yes, it would be nice to see George again as a friend.

What do you think he thought of you?

He didn't flirt or try to be touchy-feely. I still think he liked me because he complimented me repeatedly about my positive attitude to life.

Would your friends and family like him?

Yes, my friends would find George funny.

George, 25 Single for four years.

Dating past?

I was in a long-term relationship out of school which lasted for a little over five years. I've not had a serious relationship since and, to be honest, have enjoyed being single.

The next person I meet has to be someone special. I nearly died in a car accident when I was 21 so I always live life to the fullest, as I know you can't guarantee tomorrow.

Pre-date nerves?

Only slightly. I tend to talk a lot when I'm nervous so I knew there wouldn't be any awkward silences.

First impressions?

Madhu is an attractive woman, with striking, deep brown eyes. She stood up to greet me, and my instinct was to go in for a hug, but I think she was going to shake hands. Afterwards I cringed, hoping I hadn't crossed boundaries.

Easy to talk to?

Yes, we talked about our families and Madhu told me about her life in India. I told her I'd been there once but couldn't remember which state. She impressively went through a fair few before we got to Gujarat – it was a bit embarrassing.

Madhu also lives by my 'live each day like it's your last' motto, which I liked as I reckon it'll stand us in good stead for our lives.

Embarrassing moments?

No, we were both well behaved and neither of us looked at our phones while we were together.

Did sparks fly?

Not on my side. I reckon Madhu feels the same way, too. We had a fun time, but it was a flirt-free zone. However, it was a good match – we have a lot in common and we're both spontaneous, driven people.

See her again?

We're not not big planners, but she did say to let her know if I was ever in London (I live in Winchester) so we can meet up.

What do you think she thought of you?

I hope she thinks I'm a nice guy. I reckon she'll say the same as me: that she enjoyed my company.

Would your friends like her?

Yes, Madhu enjoys a night out and said that once she's on the dance floor, she doesn't leave it. They'd like that about her.

MADHU'S VERDICT: 7/10

LIKED? I felt relaxed.

REGRETS? My early start the following day.

COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.

GEORGE'S VERDICT: 8/10

LIKED? Madhu's spontaneity.