Blind date

I’m too old for mind games when there’s no spark I made a joke about kissing – she wasn’t keen

EVERY week, we send a couple out on a blind date and report back. This time, Peter Cassidy, 58, met Michelle Greenfield, also 58, at The Ivy Cafe in St John’s Wood, London.

Peter is divorced and teaches technology to young people. He has two teenage sons and lives in the capital.

Michelle, of Bushey, Hertfordshire, is a charity shop manager with two grown-up children and two grandchildren.

MICHELLE, 58, SAYS:

MY LAST date was two years ago, so I was really nervous in the run-up to this one. My stomach was doing somersaults beforehand! I arrived early and had just been seated when Peter walked in with a big smile. He had brought me a lovely flower posy from his garden, which was such a sweet gesture.

I like someone who’s a bit of a cheeky chappy, but a gentleman at heart. I am attracted to men who look after themselves physically and take pride in their appearance, without being vain. Peter is many of those things and we got on really well.

But I’d be lying if I said physical attraction wasn’t important to me — there has to be something about a person that makes you want to find out more.

I think chemistry is key and Peter wasn’t my usual type.

I was happy to see how the date went, though, and we had a good laugh, which matters a lot.

We talked about our families and our upbringing — I liked that he is also family- oriented. I have two grown-up children and two beautiful granddaughters, who I dote on.

The Ivy Cafe was great — you just can’t go wrong there — but it was such a lovely evening and we were having such fun that we decided to head to the canal afterwards for a drink outside at The Waterway bar.

Peter was the perfect gentleman, funny and easy to get on with, but there was no chemistry and I’m not one to pretend.

I was married for 28 years, from the age of 21. After my divorce eight years ago, I had a couple of relationships, but have been single for around two-and-ahalf years.

Online chatting and ‘ swiping’ aren’t my thing — I’ve been there, done that.

I love going to the theatre, the cinema and to concerts, especially soul music. I’m social and like to eat out and I love afternoon tea, where I make a complete pig of myself!

I see my girlfriends for catchups, but also like to keep fit and go to the gym as much as possible to look after myself.

But, when it comes to dating, I don’t want to be put in a virtual shop window and would much prefer to be introduced to someone new by a friend.

It’s nice to be in the company of a man and have good conversation — but I just haven’t met anyone who makes me feel the way I want to feel.

I think with Peter, charming as he is, we said all we had to say. But I wish him all the best for the future, as he is a very nice guy.

When there isn’t a spark, there’s no point in pretending there is. I’m honest — and too old to be playing mind games — and would like to meet someone who thinks the same way. LIKED? Peter was personable and amiable. REGRETS? None. COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee. Verdict: 7/10

PETER, 58, SAYS:

I CONSIDER myself quite a young 58. I’m the same age as Barbie — and have nearly kept my figure as well as she has! I didn’t date much when I was younger because I had long-term relationships, including a marriage to the mother of my two sons. Now, I’m relaxed about dating.

As I walked into the restaurant, I saw Michelle’s warm smile. I thought she was attractive and I liked that she had made an effort. I had brought the most understated bouquet of flowers, hand-picked from my garden. I think she appreciated them.

Although Michelle told me she was nervous, the conversation was really fun. I told her I was born in Massachusetts in the U.S., but came to the UK 23 years ago to work with tech firm Apple in a school — and never went back. We steered clear of talking about exes and focused on our families. She’s a grandmother and obviously enthralled with her grandchildren. It was quite funny when we got into her car to go for a drink, as there was a booster seat in the back. It’s been a long time since I dated anyone with one of those!

Finding love can be hard at this age, as we have lives that someone new would have to fit into. The other issue with modern dating is the paradox of too much choice, but when you get down to basics, trust is a big thing for me: I need someone honest.

Michelle and I laughed a lot and there was ease and warmth, but I wasn’t blown away by chemistry.

We didn’t have dessert at The Ivy — instead, she drove us to have a drink outside, as it was such a beautiful, sunny evening.

I made a joke about kissing at the end of the evening and she made clear it would only be a kiss on the cheek. I think she’s not as comfortable with dating as I am.

Still, she speaks her mind and I liked that we could be straight with one another. I even told her I’d had a date the week before.

But I’m not sure we had much in common. I quite like politics and reading — she doesn’t. I’d like to meet someone with confidence and the ability to laugh and have fun, but also to discuss big issues, relax and get to know each other on a deeper level.

I got divorced in 2008 and have had three longish relationships since then. I’d love to meet someone active, educated and perhaps a little hip, but classic and lovely is fine, too.

I would like someone with youth and spirit like me, as I’m much younger in manner and energy than many men my age.

I swim, cycle, go to the gym and do yoga. I like to cook, grow veg and go to good restaurants. I have manners, good shoes and hope I’m kind, too.

I’d like to see Michelle again, but I’m not sure it will develop into anything. She wasn’t open to a kiss, which I was happy to accept.

I think our way forward might be to go to a show or something together, so I’ve suggested that.

LIKED? We connected over our families and sense of humour. REGRETS? None.

COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee. Verdict: 8/10