Blind Date
I was embarrassed my steak cost twice as much as his fishcake
DEBBIE, 63
VITAL STATISTICS
DIVORCED. Two children, 24 and 30. CURRENT ROLE
TEACHER of English as a Foreign Language.
WOULD LIKE TO MEET
A SINCERE, intelligent man with a sense of humour. I can’t abide lazy, mean men.
DATING PAST?
I brought up my daughter as a single parent, and then met and married the father of my son and we were together for 13 years. We’ve been divorced for 12 years and, apart from a short relationship during Covid, I’ve only done a little dating since.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
Yes, I tend to have a low expectation of dates. I find it’s the best way to avoid disappointment!
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
I Was pleasantly surprised as rob was smiley with lovely eyes. I liked that he was a snappy dresser in pink trousers and a blue shirt. I admire a man who can wear pink. he came across as a character. he seemed pleased to see me, too, which is always a good start.
EASY TO TALK TO?
We got on really well. I’ve been on so many dates where a man is so busy selling himself he shows no interest in me. but rob seemed genuinely interested. We are both active and love cold-water swimming, although he swims all year round which is impressive. We’ve also both skied and enjoy golf; we just chatted away about our lives, food and families. I liked that he was a real family man and looks after his grandson sometimes.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
I Chose the steak and then felt a bit overindulgent when the bill came, and I realised my food cost double his fishcakes. he was very generous by not minding though.
DID SPARKS FLY?
I’m not sure if we were flirting, but I’m a slow burn and he’s certainly got a lot going for him. We talked non-stop for more than three hours, and then exchanged a kiss on the cheek as we parted.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET AGAIN?
I defInItelY implied I’d like to see him again. I think he felt the same as he asked me to come and visit. I’d love to meet up again in more relaxed circumstances.
WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?
I Would say he enjoyed my company on the date but I’ve no idea what he thinks.
WOULD YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS LIKE HIM?
mY CIrCle is mostly women, and he’s entertaining and sociable so I think so. there’s nothing to dislike about him.
She admired my lucky pink chinos. I’ve invited her to visit
ROB, 59
VITAL STATISTICS
SEPARATED with three adult children and one grandson.
CURRENT ROLE
HOSPITALITY, owning bars and restaurants.
WOULD LIKE TO MEET
SOMEONE bubbly and active with a good sense of humour. I’m not attracted to lazy people.
DATING PAST?
I separated from my wife in 2012 after a 27-year marriage. I’ve had two relationships, each for a couple of years, since then and been single since 2017.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
I’m not a nervous person but I was anxious as I had no idea who I was going to meet. my three children were worried about what I might wear so I had to get their seal of approval on my outfit. luckily, they gave the green light to my favourite pink chinos.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
I Could tell debbie was a lovely lady as she had a warm, welcoming smile and was dressed well. We got caught up in saying hello and then never stopped talking.
EASY TO TALK TO?
ConversatIon was effortless — it was 40 minutes before we even ordered food. We talked about our active lives as we both enjoy tennis, golf and walking, so we never ran out of things to say.
I’m a bit of a doting papa and had to show her a picture of my three-year- old grandson, which she duly cooed over. We both noted how comfortable the discussion felt considering it was a date. We took our time over our lovely meal but I couldn’t persuade her to go for pudding.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
none that I can think of.
DID SPARKS FLY?
I dIdn’t feel there was any initial spark, it was more like two friends catching up. but while I don’t feel much of a romantic connection yet, she was so friendly and chatty that I had a lovely afternoon. We parted with a kiss on the cheek.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET AGAIN?
I reallY enjoyed her company and have invited her to come to milford on sea in hampshire and walk along the spit to hurst Castle with me.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?
she said it was nice to meet someone who was easy to talk to, so I think she enjoyed my company.
WOULD YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS LIKE HER?
she’d get on with most people, although my friends are very lively. that said, they would be happy for me whoever I met.