32, Audio visual business owner

An easy going bloke’s bloke who has been nicknamed “Friend-an” by his mates, Brendan Smith has many female friends but openly admits he has problems taking things to the next level, despite having a 6 year relationship on his dating CV.

“I’m a pretty shy guy when it comes to meeting women,” he concedes. “People think I can chat to anyone, but when it comes to taking that next step, I seem to hit a wall.

“I have a feeling I am one of those guys who gets stuck in the ‘friend zone’, hence the nickname . . . Something I need to change.”

The eldest of three siblings (Nicole 29, Meagan 27), Brendan says he’s “a trustworthy guy with strong family values” and describes his ideal woman as the typical girl next door.

“She must have a great sense of humour and enjoy a laugh. Staying active is important to me as I have a strong love for sports, so someone who likes to stay fit and healthy would be nice.

“I like to be social but a nice night in as also great. Chemistry is important, so keeping things spontaneous is fun. She must like me for who I am.”

Brendan and his flat mate decided they’d double their chances of meeting girls if they both applied for Please Marry My Boy! The deal being, whoever made the cut would be the facilitator of phone numbers!

“It was purely a case of ‘I’ll do it, if you do it,” he says.

Always one with a plan, but determined not to take life too seriously, Brendan managed his parents fast food franchise for three years after finishing high school in 1996.

His love of skiing took him to Jindabyne in 1999 where he managed a chalet. From there it was off to explore the world for a year with his best mate, before settling in Canada for the winter season.

He returned to Australia in 2002 and went back to work for his parents for three years before moving to Sydney in 2005 where he started a new career as a pool supervisor at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. In 2010, Brendan started his own business after his audio visual hobby grew a little serious.

With his business now up and running, Brendan - an animal lover who once dreamed of becoming a zoo keeper - is now focused on finding the perfect partner and is confident his mother Anne is up to the task.

“Honestly, I don’t have too many concerns. Mum knows me pretty well, so I trust her judgment,” he says. “She knows what I like and dislike, so hopefully she gets it right. Although it is a scary thought letting mum be in charge, but I know mum will have my best interests at heart. Grandchildren . . . right mum?” And his plans for his wedding day should his mother Anne get it right? “This is really one for the ladies, so I am really happy to have that special day exactly how the “bride to be” would want it. But I only plan on getting married once, so it has to be a day that no one will ever forget.”

A wife should be: A woman who is ready to have an adventure with me. She must be family orientated, adventurous, caring, active, driven to succeed, and must love to laugh. I have old fashion values, and she must be ready to be looked after.

My celebrity bride would be: Jen Hawkins, Miranda Kerr or Jess Alba . . . Punching above my weight I know, but hey, who wouldn't?

Meet Brendan's mum, 58 year old retired fast-food franchise owner, wife and mother of 3, Anne Smith.

• Anna B - 30 year old coffee trainer and former DJ.
• Anna R - 25 year old group fitness instructor
• Edwina - 26 year old executive assistant.