JACOB, 22, SAYS:

This was totally out of my comfort zone. I even had second thoughts the night before about pulling out — nerves were getting the best of me. But I ended up going and I’m glad I did. It was a fun night and something new. Not often you’re set up by a total stranger with another stranger.

My first impression of Abbey was that she looked beautiful. She had a great personality as well. She mentioned she was 24 which is not a big deal for me, but for her, I think she felt like I was too young. She mentioned she usually goes for people much older.

We did end up sharing a few similar interests though and some pretty random ones. We both have weird texture issues with bananas, we also enjoy going to the gym and keeping fit but don’t mind the odd Sunday session either. We also talked a lot about red flags and icks for us in the dating world. For me, a red flag is clearly seeing the person you’re chatting to, is online, but not reading my messages or responding. My biggest ick is someone not having a personality and being dull like a pencil.

To be honest, I haven’t been super active on the dating scene recently. I do tend to keep to myself a bit and it has been a long time since I’ve been in a relationship. I think the last time, I was in Year 11 and that was about six years ago. I think a lot of people go on dating apps for an ego boost and a lot of guys don’t actually use them for what they’re meant for, so I do find that hard.

We stayed at the restaurant for a good two and a half hours chatting. I’d say the most awkward part was me at times finding it hard to spit out words and forgetting where we were in the conversation. I think Abbey spent a decent chunk of the date thinking about what to say next because I would just lose all focus. Nerves had a massive part in that. I didn’t feel nervous walking in but as soon as I sat down they came rushing in.

It was a really fun date though and I did have a good time, even though we may not have been an exact match.