BLIND DATE
I left early so that I could go and do some shopping
Every week, we send a couple out for dinner and then report back on their blind date. This week, Julie Stevens and Mark Lewis tell us about their lunch date at Cote Brasserie in Cardiff Bay.
Julie, 50, who lives just outside Bristol, works at the Bristol royal Hospital for Children. Divorced ten years ago, she has two boys and enjoys exploring the country in her campervan.
Meanwhile, 50-year-old Mark has never been married and recently came out of a short-term relationship. He works as a biomedical scientist, and lives in Carmarthen.
JULIE, 50, SAYS:
ONE of my favourite Tv shows is First Dates. It features couples who are filmed on their first dates and it always looks so much fun, so I had really built up my expectations about lunch with Mark.
I was nervous when I arrived, but the sun was shining, the restaurant is always good and, of course, Cardiff Bay is really spectacular so it was all boding well.
Unfortunately, the minute I saw Mark I knew he wasn’t my type at all, and so I felt very disappointed. This is absolutely no reflection on him, as he is a lovely and interesting person, but I had really built up the date into this romantic encounter and I felt deflated.
That said, we chatted away about our work and travels. I did let him do a lot of the talking though, as we didn’t have that much in common. Mark has never married and has no kids.
I’m a bit quirky and I like someone who has a good sense of humour. But sadly there was no laughter. I really wished there had been a spark, but it just wasn’t there.
At least, as expected, the food was lovely. I think Mark had the duck with berry sauce and I had scampi.
It was a little awkward at the end. As I knew that there was no point in prolonging the date, I wanted to leave enough time in order to go off and do a little shopping before my train. Mark offered to come with me, but I didn’t think that was a good idea, so instead I thanked him for a lovely time and left.
I like nothing more than talking nonsense over a glass of wine, and would certainly love to find someone to enjoy all my hobbies with. But Mark was simply not the chap to do that with.
I’m pretty active and have just had my campervan renovated ready for the summer. I’m a bit of an upcycler too, and love rummaging around charity and junk shops. I even make my own jewellery.
I like travelling, beaches, sunshine and snow, and would love to meet someone I could share this with.
My sons are 19 and 22 now, and after ten years of raising them on my own, I’m ready to focus on myself a bit more.
I’ve tried internet dating and had a couple of encounters that were terrifyingly bad. After one, I got a text saying ‘morning sweetheart’ as if we were in some sort of loving relationship and I found that dreadful.
Somehow, I hope I will meet someone through friends or when I am out and about somewhere, without it feeling contrived. essentially, I want to be with someone who is kind. Kindness is a really important trait.
I don’t like arrogance and I am not interested in money at all. I am capable of paying my own way. But I’m aware that there has to be a spark in order to find each other attractive.
I did feel quite sad when I got home. Where do women my age meet men? I think my boys would love me to meet someone — it would be a weight off their minds to know that I had a boyfriend to look after me!
Sadly, this time there was no window for romance. It was a nice meal though! LIKE: He’s an interesting person. REGRETS: None, as I did have a nice day out. CAB/COFFEE: Cab.
VERDICT: 6/10
MARK, 50, SAYS:
THIS was my first-ever blind date so I was excited — I had no idea what to expect.
When Julie walked in she looked nice enough, though a little older than I’d expected, which wasn’t a problem in itself.
We sat down and started to chat about our jobs as we ordered our food. Julie was very reserved and at first I put it down to nerves so I was happy to carry on chatting,