Every week, Femail asks two singletons to report back from their blind date.
Today, Jo and Simon recount their lunch.
Read on to find out whether they had chemistry…
Jo, 50
Vital statistics: Single for ten years, no children, never married.
Current role: Finance coach for women.
Would like to meet: A man who knows who he is and lives a full life with intelligent humour. Being a fan of the Rocky Horror Picture Show is a plus.
Jo is looking for a man who lives a full life and has intelligent humour – and ideally is a fan of the Rocky Horror Picture Show
Dating past?
I’ve had two long-term partners, and was engaged to my first love in my 20s. Back then, I was seeking security not commitment. I’ve never wanted children and I feel liberated now I’m through the menopause. I prefer pets. In all honesty, I was in a love affair with my late springer collie cross Faith for 15 years until she died last year. I still miss her dreadfully, but I am ready to date.
Pre-date nerves?
No, I’m a relaxed and confident person. But that said, it’s been a while!
First impressions?
When Simon arrived he reminded me of friends – techie types – I’d made in Cambridge at improv classes a few years ago. He also, unfortunately, looked quite like my older brother.
Easy to talk to?
Yes, we both share a love of sci-fi literature. After covering our favourite Terry Pratchett books we moved on to Douglas Adams. Before I knew it, we were in fits over Monty Python. Simon really made me laugh when he quoted one of their sketches – he was brilliant. We also talked about his business and his other job driving posh supercars. I did have car envy.
Embarrassing moments?
Not for us, but we heard that some poor lady had got locked in the loos.
Jo says her date ‘unfortunately, looked quite like my older brother’
Did sparks fly?
No. Unfortunately I knew Simon wasn’t romantically for me the moment I saw him, and I truly believe that you can’t force it. Your body knows when someone isn’t right for you. Simon’s a good man though – I think he’d be suited to someone who is as into the environment and sustainability as him.
See him again?
Simon suggested we swap numbers, so I instigated a date debrief. I told him I’d had a wonderful time but there was no chemistry for me and he lived too far away for us to be friends (I live in Essex on the coast and he’s in Kent). I explained he didn’t do anything wrong and he will be great for someone else. He was pleased with the feedback… I think.
What do you think he thought of you?
I never question what someone thinks about me; I’m happy enough in my own skin not to mind. He did say he felt relaxed in my company, though, so I’d say he thoroughly enjoyed our time together.
Would your family like him?
As a person, absolutely. He’d fit right in with my lot because we all quote Monty Python.
Simon, 53
Vital statistics: Divorced and single for ten years, no children.
Current role: Eco-friendly scent business. I also drive supercars.
Would like to meet: An outgoing dog lover who enjoys taking holidays abroad.
Simon is ‘ready to put myself out there’ following his divorce
Dating past?
I was married in my 40s, but it wasn’t a good match. She left saying I couldn’t afford her and ran off with our next-door neighbour. Since then, I have had a few relationships but none that worked out. But I am ready to put myself out there again.
Pre-date nerves?
A few. I just didn’t want to go home too disappointed if it didn’t work out. But I was glad my match was an entrepreneur, like me.
First impressions?
Jo was at our table first and I just said hello on arrival. I didn’t go in for a hug – that would be odd with someone you haven’t met before. Did I find her attractive? Well, she looked her age. When you meet a woman in midlife, there is never that same experience of seeing her as a young woman in her prime. That said, she looked good and had a lovely smile and positive energy about her. As for what she was wearing… I haven’t a clue! I don’t have a good memory for clothes, I’m afraid.
Easy to talk to?
Yes, Jo is a success coach and had been speaking on stage the day before. She’s funny and bubbly and it made the conversation easy. We had a good laugh about the Monty Python Four Yorkshiremen sketch. She knew exactly what I was on about, and it was a tick to note we had a similar sense of humour.
Embarrassing moments?
Nothing unexpected happened.
Simon said: ‘I just didn’t want to go home too disappointed if it didn’t work out’
Did sparks fly?
No, no, no. It’s not like meeting a hot girl when you’re younger. You don’t flirt and lose your head. Looks-wise, Jo is pleasing on the eye but it’s the person that counts. I didn’t flirt, but I quietly thought there was potential and was prepared to give it a go. I asked for her number, and that’s when she chose to give me feedback on our date.
See her again?
No. Jo was very forthright in explaining why I wouldn’t be getting her number. She emphasised two points: no chemistry and distance. Those are valid reasons and I wish I got feedback after dates more often. There’s nothing worse than being ghosted instead.
What do you think she thought of you?
I think Jo liked me and my extensive knowledge of sci-fi novels. I was marked down for not being a Rocky Horror fan, though.
Would your friends like her?
Yes, Jo is a wonderful person. She’s energetic and upbeat and would get on well with my social circle.