Jean asked to take my photo, which is unusual for a date
KHALID, 73 VITAL STATISTICS
DIVORCED, with two sons, aged 48 and 46.
CURRENT ROLE
RETIRED, also a landlord.
WOULD LIKE TO MEET
SOMEONE easy-going and fun-loving.
DATING PAST?
I Have been mainly single for the past 17 years, after getting divorced in 2004. on reflection, it’s my fault because I’ve not been able to commit. my friend peter put me forward for this. We’ve been friends for 50 years and he insists I join him and his wife most Fridays for their date night. He knows I’m shy when it comes to women.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
no, I’m a pretty stable person. even though I’m retired, I get to meet people when I’m golfing or out with my friends. on the date I wore the suit I’d bought for my son’s wedding. I’ve never been on a blind date before, but my son’s wife was encouraging.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
I arrIved first and ordered a glass of fizz. Jean was on time and looked lovely. She was wearing a fitted blue dress which came to just above the knee and a chic jacket. I could tell she is a stylish woman. She giggled at my glass of champagne and, while she declined one herself, she let me order her a gin and tonic.
EASY TO TALK TO?
aLTHougH Jean is rather formal and economic with her words, we weren’t short of conversation. We talked about our children and showed one another photographs of them. I was surprised that Jean had already studied the menu and knew what she was going to order. The best way of looking at it is that she was well-organised.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
WeLL, Jean asked to take my photo, which is unusual on a first date. I’m not sure what she thought about me ordering a second glass of bubbles.
DID SPARKS FLY?
no. aS nice as she is, I’m afraid she isn’t my cup of tea. Jean seems set in her ways and perhaps has been alone for too long. She didn’t think I would fit in to her social circle either. Bitingly honest perhaps, but the upside is we both knew where we stood.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?
I’m noT sure. although I’m shy at first, I do have a big personality. did Jean give me a chance to show her that side of me? Sadly not. WOULD YOUR FRIENDS LIKE HER? no, noT really. Jean needs to be a bit more laid-back and spontaneous.