First Dates maitre d’ Mateo Saina believes online dating apps like Tinder are killing romance.
The Croatian, who returns for the eighth series of the RTE show, admitted he is “very old fashioned” and reckons the best way to meet someone is face to face.
Dad-of-two Mateo, who is married to his long-term love Vjeran, told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “I have never tried, let’s call it, the new way of dating.
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“I think the best way to meet someone is face to face.
“I can’t claim that my way of meeting people is the best way but online wouldn’t be for me – although I have friends and know of people who have met someone online and are still together 10 years on.”
Mateo revealed how he was raised to wine and dine a woman to woo her on a date. He added: “Women are more independent now and lads are retreating from this kind of thing.
“Some women like it while others find it to be chauvinistic.
“For me, as a man, this is a nice thing to do. That’s how I was raised but it’s not that way with everyone.”
First Dates Ireland viewers have a lot to look forward to in the new series of the show, Mateo teased.
Bursting through the door for the first episode are best friends Aisling, 25, and 26-year-old Naomi who are ready for an unforgettable double date.
Self-confessed “girlo” Aisling is matched with insurance underwriter Ross from Dublin who can’t believe his luck.
And just a few tables away, dancing queen Naomi unleashes her best moves on marketing executive Brodie who grew up on a sheep farm in New Zealand. Mateo said: “The people make the show and every series is different because they are never the same two characters.
“It’s nice to see people dating again and the confidence being back.
“This series is jam-packed with new personalities and that’s what makes the show great.”
When it comes to giving advice to those looking for love, Mateo admitted he doesn’t really have any. He said: “I’m not an expert, I don’t give advice, all I do is tell people to follow your heart.
“Everybody is different, no matter what I say to a person it’s going to be different for each one. What works for one person won’t work for another.”
- First Dates Ireland airs on Thursday at 9.30pm on RTE Two.
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