Blind date

I liked him but didn’t want to flirt too much on a first date I was so glad the night ended with a peck on the cheek

EVerY week, we send a couple out on a blind date. this week, Bernice riggs, a 59- year- old medical secretary from Newhaven, east Sussex, and Kim Aspindale, a 60-year- old divorced social worker from eastbourne, went to Diella’s restaurant in Seaford, east Sussex.

BERNICE, 59, SAYS:

I WASN’t nervous when I arrived, but when I got to the table, Kim was in the bathroom. I like a man to be quite well-built — my ideal man is ray Winstone — so when Kim walked back in, I was pleasantly surprised.

He had a nice face, and was well dressed in a modern, trendy shirt.

from the start, it was easy, as Kim has an approachable demeanour and it didn’t feel at all awkward. We did the usual small talk about weather, jobs and family. We didn’t really talk about relationships, which was a good thing, I think, for a first date.

It was clear he loves his daughter and granddaughter to bits, which was lovely to see.

I was married for 15 happy years, but it sadly ended in divorce. Although I have dated since, apart from one relationship, there has been nothing serious.

I’m really active and love socialising and eating out. I love to travel and like to think I have a sense of fun and am young for my age. I’m looking for a genuine, but fun, worldlywise guy, my age or older, with a nice, round, happy face!

We had a little bit of laughter and banter, but I didn’t really let myself go. With people I know well, I like to be jokey, but I stop myself when I meet new people in case I offend them! Kim has a lot of hair for his age, with a big curly mop, and I did make a joke about it being real — thankfully, he laughed.

the restaurant and food were lovely. I was pleased that Kim particularly liked it, as I had chosen the venue. He was also very complimentary about me, saying how much he liked my dress and shoes. I don’t think there was much flirting, as it was probably too soon.

On a blind date, you know nothing about the other person, so I was more comfortable that way. I do think there was a bit of chemistry, though, and he’s taken my number and already asked me on a second date.

It felt quite natural and we stayed until 11pm, chatting to the maitre d’. It was really good to have a fun evening out.

At the end of the date, Kim walked me to the car and it was quite spooky as our cars were beside each other!

We swapped numbers and he asked if I would like to see him again, but I wanted to digest the evening first, so I gave him a kiss on the cheek and asked for some time to think about it.

As I drove away, though, I felt really good. I was delighted the blind date had been such a good experience. So I’ve decided I will see him again, and perhaps even go back to the same restaurant. LIKED? His clothes and the fact he looked younger than I expected. He had a nice, easy charm and manner about him. REGRETS? None. COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee. VERDICT: 8/10

KIM, 60, SAYS:

MY StreSSful days are over, thankfully, and now I only work about 20 hours a week, which makes life more enjoyable.

It also means I have a bit more time to focus on romance. My marriage broke up ten years ago and, while I have a good circle of friends, I would love to find someone to share things with, because I’m young at heart.

I’m a caring and romantic person, and believe relationships are built on compromise, affection, shared goals and new experiences.

It’s been a year since I’ve been on a date, so I was quite excited about this. I enjoy shopping for clothes and looking smart, so I made an effort, and was very impressed with Bernice when she walked in.

She was very well turned out in a lovely dress, which showed off her great figure. I also thought she was very pretty.

Within about five minutes, it felt really easy and relaxed between us, helped, no doubt, by the restaurant, which was lovely and had a great ambience.

We chatted about our hobbies, love of food, dating and, very briefly, past relationships. I used to be a manager for Bt, working with people with learning disabilities, which was really busy. I’m now a social worker and I love my job.

I’m easy-going and have a good sense of humour and a lot of varied interests. I enjoy most sports and occasionally play cricket. I also love the theatre, travel, the countryside, history and the cinema. Bernice shares a few of my interests.

We talked about family a lot — because I work with older people, and she helps look after her mum, we have a lot in common. My favourite thing is spending time with my daughter and granddaughter, who is four, so we talked about our grandchildren a lot, too.

the evening went so quickly and was full of laughter and banter — although slightly more from me than her, as she was quieter. I think she was more reserved and guarded.

I was happy to chat away, but I can be direct, so I asked her what is she looking for. She told me she was looking for a friendship and to see how it goes.

I’d go back to the restaurant again and, in fact, we both got vouchers, so I have already asked Bernice on a second date.

the food was great — we both had fish and ice cream.

Before we knew it, it was late. I told her I’d like to see her again, and she said she’d like to think about it, which is fine by me.

I think perhaps I was more interested than her to meet again, but I’m not going to beat around the bush. She asked me to walk her to her car, which I did. When we swapped numbers, I texted to say I enjoyed meeting her and would like to do it again. She replied the next morning to say it was a fun evening.

She’s an interesting lady and has lived life and been through lots of experiences. Her maturity was attractive. I did ask her age and she made a joke of it . . . perhaps I shouldn’t have asked!

We were very relaxed together and just had a lovely evening. I felt there was chemistry, although I didn’t really flirt as I wasn’t sure how she felt. When we left, she gave me a peck on the cheek.

I hope we will see each other again — it was such a positive experience and great to dress up and go out. I’m so glad I did it.

LIKED? She had a good sense of humour and was great company. REGRETS? None.

COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee. VERDICT: 8/10