‘ ...I actually own five man-bags. Women ’ always ask about them
JEREMY, 55 VITAL STATISTICS
DIVORCED, single for two years, with two teenage sons.
CURRENT ROLE
CHARTERED accountant.
WOULD LIKE TO MEET
A WARM, fun, naturally wellpresented woman who takes care of herself.
DATING PAST
I had two serious girlfriends in my 20s, and then I was married for 22 years. I am sociable but ‘going out on the pull’ really isn’t me. a platonic friend has taken me on as a project and put me forward for this opportunity. as 2024 is my year of saying yes, I agreed.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
a lIttle bit. But then that’s only natural, because it’s the fear of the unknown. I was looking forward to it too, though, and took the day off work to enjoy the whole process.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
I’ve got a history of dating petite blondes and Melody ticked all of those boxes. She is slim, neat, with short blonde hair, and is quite pretty and a sweet person. We greeted one another with a peck on the cheek. to get the conversation going, I launched in with, ‘So how did you end up here?’
EASY TO TALK TO?
YeS, although Melody is a fan of muscley men, whereas I’m a 10st runner. She made quite a few references to my man-bag, but I’m used to this reaction — it’s always a topic of conversation. I’ve actually got five! In my defence, they’re a necessity for keys, phones (I have two) and my sunnies.
It was fascinating to hear about Melody’s professional world; she has worked with such actors as aiden turner and Jason Statham. I joked that I model myself on Statham, with his lack of hair and stubble.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
No, although the waiter had to return four times to take our order because we were talking so much.
DID SPARKS FLY?
Not for me. I had a lovely time with a nice person. But romantically it’s a no. I normally know right away if there’s a romantic spark with someone, and I just didn’t feel it with Melody. We did spend almost three hours together though.
SEE HER AGAIN?
uMM — probably not. No. that’s quite brutal, isn’t it? But it’s an honest answer. I’m holding out for the real deal and I didn’t get that romantic feeling on our date.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?
I’M hopINg the same as me: that there is no romantic future for us, but that I was good company and easy to talk to. I’m pleased I did it and it was great to meet someone new.
WOULD YOUR FRIENDS LIKE HER?
YeS — Melody is outgoing, sociable and good company.