‘I laughed when she said I had a lot in common with her dad

RELATIONSHIP HISTORY

I was married for 15 years, but we divorced in 2017. I’ve done some online dating and had the odd date, but there hasn’t been any romance. It would be nice to find someone to spend time with.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

I was nervous, but I was more looking forward to it, and quite excited. I wore a pair of grey trousers with a yellow polo shirt and turquoise jumper.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

when I saw Jane, she looked lovely. she seemed friendly, too. I’m a slow burner and like to get to know the person before deciding if there’s a spark. we got on well, and it felt comfortable.

EASY TO TALK TO?

we chatted about all sorts. we both have girls so bonded over that, and she made me laugh when she said I had a lot in common with her dad, mainly because we both played badminton. we talked about how we’ve been affected by the pandemic — Jane had to cancel seeing her parents last christmas because of a positive covid test.

we laughed about getting to the restaurant and how we miss good old-fashioned maps. Jane loves animals, and volunteers to walk dogs, so we spoke about how our children wanted pets, but we were the ones who always ended up cleaning up after them.

Jane is active and has a great sense of zest about her. By the time we walked the two miles to the station, I laughed that I’d got my steps in.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS? none at all. DID SPARKS FLY?

I felt it was more platonic. at the end of the meal, Jane said she didn’t feel there was a spark, even though she had enjoyed herself. I appreciated that honesty, because at our age, you prefer to know things straight.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET AGAIN?

I thInk we might meet again for coffee, but only as friends.

WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?

she was honest that she liked my company, but as a friend.

WOULD YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS LIKE HER?

I thInk so as Jane is easy to get on with and I certainly felt comfortable with her.

Interviews: ALANA KIRK