BLIND DATE

WHO’LL FIND LOVE ON OUR

EACH week, we send a couple for dinner and report back on their blind date. Glynis Wozniak and Fraser Lang went to the Kip Marina in Inverkip, near Glasgow.

Glynis, 52, a mother of two teenagers, is an actress and works part-time at Glasgow airport. She has been divorced for 15 years.

Fraser Lang is 54 and works on a Scottish estate. He has been divorced for 20 years and has a 26-year-old daughter.

GLYNIS, 52, SAYS:

I CAN’T remember the last time I went on a date. In the past, I’ve mostly met men though work and relationships have blossomed from knowing someone. I’ve dabbled with internet dating and chatted to men online, but I’ve never met up with anyone.

I spent my 40s desperate to find a partner, but I’m quite enjoying being on my own now. I can do what I want, when I want. That said, if I met someone and there was a ‘whoosh’ of attraction, I wouldn’t say no.

For me, attractiveness runs far deeper than just appearance. A man could be chiselled and handsome or look like Santa Claus — I wouldn’t mind as long as he has a good heart. I want to age gracefully, and see nothing attractive in Botoxed, soulless faces.

It was exciting getting ready for a date with a total stranger. Fraser was at the table when I arrived as I had misjudged the time, so we didn’t get off to the best start. Since I was late, I felt flustered but he was a gentleman, telling me to take my time so I could compose myself.

After that, I had a wonderful evening. Fraser is such a lovely man; a real gent who came across as wise and caring. He even gave me a bouquet of flowers.

We talked all evening and it never felt awkward. If I had one piece of constructive criticism it would be that he didn’t ask me many questions about myself. I think that was because he was nervous, but it may have been good to feel he was interested in me.

That said, he has had an interesting life and is intellectual. It was lovely to listen to an eloquent man with a wide vocabulary.

Fraser had suggested the restaurant, and it was spectacular. There was a beautiful sun glimmering over yachts outside as we enjoyed our amazing food. We stayed for nearly three hours and it was very relaxed.

Although I didn’t go with any expectations, I knew early on the chemistry I was looking for wasn’t there. I hoped we would keep in touch. I gave him my business card and we had a hug and a peck on the cheek.

The next morning he sent me a lovely email asking how I felt, and I had to be honest. I would like to keep in touch, but as friends. He replied that he would prefer not to, which I respect. He doesn’t have much free time and wants to focus on finding someone he can have a relationship with.

So many women complain there are no nice men out there looking for a serious relationship. Fraser proves that is not true. When he meets the right woman, what a catch he’ll be. You can tell by the way he talks about his parents and daughter that he is caring and honourable and will make a wonderful partner for someone.

I was already very fond of him after the date, but I respect his decision to focus on love. It has made me want to date more. I love meeting people, and to meet a lovely man and allow myself to be open, which I haven’t always been, was such a good experience for me. I’d do it again. I really enjoyed the male company. LIKED: He’s a loyal, lovely person. REGRETS: No, I’m so glad I did it. CAB OR COFFEE? Coffee. VERDICT: 8/10

FRASER, 54, SAYS:

I’VE had a few relationships, but after my divorce my focus was on my business and my daughter. I’ve been on a few first dates but not as many seconds!

I was excited about the date and took time to figure out what to wear (yes, men worry about this too!). I arrived early and Glynis was late; I thought she may have seen me and left, or wasn’t coming at all. But then she arrived, full of apologies and with a great smile — all thoughts of a terrible night vanished.

She was lovely looking, welldressed and flamboyant. Had she not said what she did for a living, I would have known she was artistic by her mannerisms.

We felt at ease. My nerves and lack of dating experience meant I think I did most of the talking. We discussed our lives and I gave her advice for her business.

The food was amazing. I had scallops and haggis, followed by steak. We had honeycomb creme brulee. It was a perfect spot for a first date and a beautiful setting.

We never struggled to find anything to talk about and the evening flowed naturally — the waitress had to come back four or five times to get orders as we were talking so much.

Later, I was able to analyse the evening. There was no mention of romance and from body language it became apparent there wasn’t a spark from Glynis.

I wrote to her and joked: was she expecting Brad Pitt and disappointed she got Johnny Vegas? She replied saying she was happy to be just friends. I chose not to progress that option. I don’t have a lot of spare time; my mum was recently diagnosed with dementia so I like to help her and Dad.

I’ve got back into dating with the goal of meeting someone, so I have to focus on that. But I don’t want her to think I wouldn’t appreciate seeing her again. I enjoyed the evening and it’s given me the impetus to keep trying.

I’m not too hung up on my appearance. I consider myself a well-rounded (excuse the pun), intelligent, funny, happy and loyal man. I believe in giving your heart and soul to the right person.

Do I think Glynis missed out? Possibly. You have to remember something I see with my parents; looks fade but love and loyalty lasts for ever. I know someone out there feels the same. Hopefully one day I’ll meet her.

LIKED: Intelligent, articulate and endearing. REGRETS: None whatsoever.

CAB OR COFFEE? Coffee. VERDICT: 10/10

I could tell he was upset when I said let’s just be friends I’m not Brad Pitt but I’d give my heart and soul to the right woman