I’m always amazed to find someone likes me

film club in Leicester which I had actually started! It was lovely to hear that someone’s enjoying the club.

We decided to go for a coffee to another pub and kept on chatting until midnight, and there was no moment when it felt awkward.

By the end of the night we had already agreed that we’d definitely have to meet up again, so it just came about naturally that we swapped numbers.

I’m not sure if there was any flirting as such, because we were just enjoying each other’s company. I’m not really a flirter on a first date kind of guy, or one of these chaps who expects too much from one evening. I’m more of a ‘take your time’ person.

Plus I was nervous! We both were, for different reasons. I don’t think Julie has had vast experience in the crazy online dating scene, so she wasn’t sure what to expect on a blind date. But I’m the opposite — I’ve been trying to find someone for a while, and as a result have had a lot of bad experiences.

I haven’t been in a happy longterm relationship for over seven years now. I have been on some dates, but most have been disappointing. as a result, I’m always amazed when someone likes me!

I felt that Julie accepted me — I didn’t feel like she was trying to needle every last bit of dirty laundry out of me.

I haven’t bothered much with dating for the past couple of years or so. I’ve spent time doing things that make me happy. I make friends easily, particularly with women, but have found it difficult to move on from being ‘just friends’. It’s probably too late for me to have a family now, but I would have liked that.

still, I have a good job, a nice house and I am financially secure. and I have good hair and good teeth, which I’m told ladies like!

I think dating at this age is easier in a way because we have more confidence and life experience, but we’ve all had a few more knocks on the way.

Julie is a lovely and genuine person — and we have agreed to meet up again in a less formal environment. LIKED? Friendly, open and attractive. REGRETS? None.

COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.

Verdict: 9/10