The Honesty Box - Q&A with Tommy

Tommy

24
Online fitness salesman from St Albans

How would your friends describe you?
I think people describe me as charismatic. Someone with good energy, a real loyal friend. Just someone that's fun to be around.

What was your life like growing up?
I grew up in my mum’s household, surrounded by a lot of feminine energy. She’s a hairdresser, so there were always clients around showing me lots of attention. Family has always been a massive part of my life, and even from a young age I’ve had this deep drive to make them proud and build a life they can be proud of too.

What do you do for work?
I started out running my own football coaching business, but realised I wanted more freedom and adventure. So I shifted into online fitness sales. Helping coaches support others in making positive change with their health and fitness, while working remotely from places like Thailand. It’s opened up a lifestyle where I can grow, connect with amazing people, and do something that actually makes a difference.

How has life been like being in Thailand?
Thailand was a game changer for me. I met amazing people, experienced a completely different way of life, and had the space to really figure out who I am and what I want.

Are you a spiritual person?
Yeah, I’d say I’m a spiritual person. I’m very open-minded, and Thailand gave me the space to really explore that side of myself. I meditate daily, visualise where I want to go in life, and stay conscious of the energy I bring into each day. For me, it’s about trying to stay grounded and aligned with the life I want to create, but I’ll be honest, yoga’s still a work in progress.

Do you enjoy travel?
Travel is one of the biggest gifts in my life. I’ve been lucky to build a career that lets me explore the world and experience different cultures. Since being in Thailand, I took up Muay Thai, which has been great for me physically and mentally. Although I’ve taken a few head kicks from the Thais.

Describe your perfect match?
The perfect girl for me has got to be pretty special. Someone who’s kind-hearted and supports me on my journey. Physical attraction… I’m definitely drawn to girls with a great smile, nice eyes, and maybe a bit of a tan. I’d love someone with cheeky energy that can match mine. But more than anything, it’s about connection for me.

Are looks more important than personality?
There has to be a balance. Obviously, I’ve got to be physically drawn to the person I’m with. But if there’s no substance, personality, or real vibe between us, it doesn’t matter how good they look. If it’s like talking to a door, I’m not interested.

Which is more important, love or money?
I would say love, but why not have both?

What first impression do you think you make?
I think a lot of people may look at me and think, “He’s brash and cocky”. But when you get to know me and see my authentic side, I am just a bit playful and quite cheeky. I think girls find me quite hard to crack at first. But once they get to know me, they realise that I have got a good heart and I'm a loyal person.

Why caused your last relationship to end?
We were on different paths. I had a deep urge to travel, grow, and push my limits. She was heading in a different direction. It wasn’t anything bad, just two people with different visions for their lives.

What makes you look for romance now?
To be honest, I wasn’t ready for a relationship until recently. I was more living the non-commitment lifestyle you could say I was playing the field. Now I’m in a place where I want to find something deeper. Real connection with someone to build with is what I’m looking for.

What are you looking for in a long-term relationship?
I am looking for someone I can build an absolute empire of a family with. I've got big visions of having a big family: I'm the granddad sitting on the chair, there's ten grandchildren around, all my children are there. Someone who I can start that type of family with and who I can go experience life with.

Have you ever cheated in a relationship?
No, I’ve not cheated. If I’m in, I’m all in.

Do you think it’s important to be honest in relationships?
I think it’s important. There’s obviously varying levels of honesty. I would say that I try to be honest all the time, especially with big things. But don’t get me wrong, I’ve told some white lies here and there.

Are you good at spotting a lie?
Yeah. You can’t get past me. I feel that I could look someone in the eyes and tell if they’re telling me the truth or not.

Are you a romantic person?
You could definitely call me a bit of a hopeless romantic. I think romance is what keeps the spark alive and makes a relationship last.

What’s your biggest turn off in a potential partner?
Biggest turn-off for me is someone who’s boisterous. Oh! and vaping. That’s a no from me.

What’s your biggest turn on?
Great eye contact.

Do you fall in love quickly?
I usually know when I’m into someone pretty quickly. I’m quite fast-paced by nature and bring a lot of energy into relationships, so sometimes I have to check myself and slow down to make sure it’s real and not just excitement in the moment.

Do you prefer meeting dates IRL or through apps?
I’d always rather meet someone in real life. It just feels more natural. You get a proper read on their energy, and it makes that first date way more relaxed because the connection’s already there.

Are you a good judge of character?
Yes, I've got spidey senses. I know if someone's good or not.

Do you think you can beat The Honesty Box?
It won’t be easy, but if there’s anyone who can beat The Honesty Box, I back myself. I’ve got nothing to hide.

What tell gives you away when you’re lying?
My personal tell when I’m lying is maybe I hold eye contact for too long, definitely overcompensating to try and seem like I’m not lying. Might have to work on my poker face.

How am you going to play the game?
I’m going to go in there, be myself, be authentic, and be honest. And if people don’t like that, that’s up to them. Oh yeah and getting someone to fall for me wouldn’t be a bad touch either.

Who would you want to play you and your love interest in a film of your life?
Matthew McConaughey with the hair, I think it’d be a good match. And for the love interest, it’s got to be Rachel McAdams. In the Notebook she had that sparkle.

Where would you take a date to impress them in your hometown?
I’d take a date down to the Abbey in St Albans and my favourite local Italian. Can’t beat a bit of garlic bread!

What’s the best experience you’ve ever blagged your way into?
The best experience I've blagged myself into is probably this to be fair.

Meet all of the Truetopians in The Honesty Box Press Pack.
The Honesty Box starts Monday 28 April at 9pm on E4.

ENDS