Blind date
EVERY week, we send a couple on a blind date. This week, 64-year- old Colin Gibbons had dinner at San Carlo in Manchester with 58-year-old Jacqueline wright.
Colin is retired and lives in Cheshire. Following two long-term relationships, he has been single for eight years. Jacqui is divorced with two children, aged 29 and 32. She lives in Salford.
JACQUI, 58, SAYS:
I WAS nervous going in to the restaurant, but when I first saw Colin I thought he was not bad!
He was smartly dressed and had a nice face, so I was pleasantly surprised. I did fancy him a bit and thought he was attractive. I had a really good time and I told him that he was really good company — but if I’m honest, he came across too keen and it scared me off.
He was very easy to get on with, I was interested in what he was saying, and he asked me lots of questions, too. But he soon made it obvious he liked me and I felt it was too much too soon.
Colin’s had quite an interesting life and he was very entertaining. I know at our age we’d all like to meet somebody and I kept thinking to myself, Give him a chance.
As a single parent, I didn’t date for a long time, and when my kids left home for university I planned to move to Gibraltar — so wasn’t looking for someone in case we fell for each other and that would stop me from going.
In the end I didn’t move, so about five years ago I began online dating. Some of my dates were appalling, which put me off.
I work full-time in the clothing department in Sainsbury’s and love it, but that takes up a lot of time, so I don’t have much time to spare, especially for a bad date.
I don’t think anyone realises how different older dating is, how far the goalposts have moved.
It takes a massive mindset to stay young at heart — and I do think women are far better at dating than men because we come into our own. you have to be more flexible in what you think is your ‘type’.
So I focused on enjoying the evening with Colin. The restaurant was packed and the food was great, and afterwards we walked to Piccadilly.
By then I knew he really liked me, so I was a bit nervous. I jokingly said to him we don’t do PDAs ( public displays of affection), do we? He smiled and said no — but as we walked along, he stroked my back and held my hand, which made me feel a bit awkward.
It was too much for me, and I’m not sure there was chemistry, but he is really good company.
He tried really hard and will make somebody an amazing partner. I felt bad about how things ended, but I had a really good date. It was a good match personality wise, and it has encouraged me to keep dating.
LIKED? I liked that he’d made an effort and treated me like a lady. REGRETS? None.
COFFEE OR CAB? Cab. A fantastic guy, but not for me. Verdict: 8/10
COLIN, 64, SAYS:
IT WAS quite a big thing for me to do this, and from the outset I was apprehensive.
I can’t actually remember the last time I went on a date — perhaps four years ago. It just gets to the point when you ask yourself, is it worth it? Then you get on with other stuff.
I got to the restaurant early, and I was feeling nervous. we had never said a word to each other before and suddenly we were on a date!
I had a million thoughts going round in my head about what Jacqueline would be like.
when she walked in, I thought she was lovely and friendly, with a great smile.
It was strange how nerves had got to us both but we eventually conquered them and relaxed. I felt really comfortable with her — I found myself opening up and telling her things, then wondering, what will she think? I had a good time, and Jacqueline is a lovely person. I did fancy her and found her very attractive.
She looked good and had made an effort, wearing a lovely top. She complimented me too, saying we both scrubbed up well. I’m a very happy-go-lucky sort of guy, always with a smile, looking to meet a lady for lots of fun, adventure, and laughter.
I tend to be a follower rather than a leader, so an assertive woman is normally who I’d be attracted to. I am not a doormat by any means, but I am very comfortable with a lady who enjoys being in charge.
At the moment I am very single, and have been that way for quite a while.
I had a long relationship where I helped raise two step-children and then more recently, while living in Spain, I had another long relationship.
Things change as you get older, such as your values and what you expect from life.
I am very recently retired, and am still adapting to the strangeness of it, having done a wide variety of jobs both here in England and also in Spain.
I’m quite set in my ways and I suppose I want to be shaken out of that. I don’t want to be a grumpy old man and I need a woman to help me avoid it!
Jacqui and I talked about all sorts — family, work, where we’d been living.
we’ve both lived in Spain and Gibraltar so that was a conversation starter, and we had a bit in common.
we’re both from similar backgrounds and there were no airs and graces.
I think I probably talked too much, although I think she didn’t mind. But if I’m honest, I think I liked her more than she liked me.
The meal was lovely and we had a bottle of wine, and afterwards we walked to Piccadilly and I gave her a kiss on the lips, but I don’t think she liked the public intimacy.
I gave her my number, and that’s the last I’ve heard! I’d be very up for seeing her again though, if she wanted to get in touch.
LIKED? Personality, friendly and attractive.
REGRETS? None — I loved it. I couldn’t have asked for more.
COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee. Verdict: 10/10
He came across as – too keen it scared me right off I gave her my number and that’s the last I heard