The best date I’ve ever had. But I don’t think she’d agree...
ROBERT, 61 VITAL STATISTICS
DIVORCED with three grown-up children — two sons and a daughter.
CURRENT ROLE
A FREELANCE office furniture salesman.
WOULD LIKE TO MEET
SOMEONE outgoing who is not held back by pets or grandchildren.
DATING PAST?
my WIfe and I separated after 32 years of marriage in 2020. since then, I’ve been on around 15 dates via the Bumble app. I’ve met some lovely women, a couple who I’d have been happy to start a relationship with, but they haven’t felt the same way.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
I felt fine until I got to the bar and it hit me that I was on a blind date. I’ve never done anything like this before!
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
I tHougHt Alida was gorgeous: slim and good- looking with blonde, curly hair. she had lovely eyes and seemed bubbly. We had a small kiss on the cheek and then never stopped talking.
EASY TO TALK TO?
We HAd loads in common and chatted about our children, our past relationships and the future. I liked that she seemed to have lots of friends. We both love walking, although Alida is much fitter than I am.
one thing that made me question whether she was into me — or indeed dating — is she seems to enjoy her own space. After you’ve been single for a while, you do enjoy having your house to yourself and I’m not sure she’s ready to share hers.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
no, I came away from the date thinking: ‘that was the best date I’ve ever had.’
DID SPARKS FLY?
I WAs definitely attracted to her. But I’m really good at reading people’s body language, and there was absolutely no movement on her romance needle towards me. she gave me a quick hug goodbye and I almost shoved my business card into her hand in the hope she might get in touch, but I don’t think she will. that’s fine. But the whole time I was hoping she might see something in me she liked.
SEE HER AGAIN?
I douBt it. I would like to, but I’m not sure she will want to.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?
We got on and the time flew by, but there was something about me that didn’t do it for her.
WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HER?
tHey would like her very much — she’s my type and lovely.