JULIE, 44, a housing officer
He wore black and white – I thought he might be a waiter
JULIE, 44
Dating Past?
I’VE BEEN engaged three times: once in my teens, which naturally dissolved; once in my 20s, but he called it off; and to my husband, who I split with nine years ago. I had my daughter with a friend shortly afterwards, although he was never going to be involved.
I tend to date people I’ve met through friends and I’m not on dating sites. I trust I will connect with those I’m meant to meet.
Pre-Date Nerves?
I come across as confident but I’m quite shy, so I was nervous. Luckily I was busy and didn’t have time to think about the date. I was late and arrived all hot and bothered. I wore trousers and a jumper as I wanted to be honest about how I dress.
First Impressions?
Alistair was waiting outside, and I thought he might be a waiter as he was wearing black and white, but he quickly introduced himself. He is a stereotypically good-looking chap, but he didn’t ignite my spark.
Easy To Talk To?
We had the table for two hours and I was concerned the date might drag on, but the time flew by.
I’m vegetarian and said I’d looked at the menu online for meat-free options. Alistair was understanding, but not inquisitive. We shared a Greek platter, but I requested that the lamb was served separately.
We both work in homeless prevention in the probation sector and I wouldn’t be surprised if our paths crossed professionally. I asked about his upbringing, too, and he seemed happy to open up.
Embarrassing Moments?
No, but we had to have our temperatures taken before going in and I worried I might be too hot.
Did Sparks Fly?
Not for me. I got a text saying that my parking had expired, so I needed to leave quite quickly. I said I’d be happy to stay in contact.
Did You Kiss?
No, but I blew him a friendly kiss when I left as a Covid-19 alternative to a peck on the cheek.
What do you think he thought of you?
If he is honest, he’ll say we didn’t have a connection, but I can be flirty so I hope I didn’t come across as romantically interested. I suspect he wants a relationship that could end in marriage. He referred to ‘us’ a few times, and seemed keen to plan a second date, but I just wanted to get to know him over the meal.
Would your friends like him?
What they think has no bearing on who I date. As a rule I do not mix my love life with my friendships.
Alistair, 53, probation officer working with the homeless
It was awkward when she left before I’d asked for the bill
ALISTAIR, 53
Dating Past?
My PREVIOUS two relationships both lasted more than three years. My birth mother put me forward for a blind date as she decided it was time to put an end to me being the only bachelor in my village. I’m used to organising dates online and going speed dating.
Pre-Date nerves?
if you’re not nervous about a date, you clearly don’t care about it. I had butterflies, but I wasn’t unbearably nervous. I wore a black-and-white patterned shirt, black jeans and suede shoes.
First impressions?
I arrived first at The Olive Branch in Worcester, but didn’t know Julie was running late. There was a moment when I thought, ‘She’s not coming!’, but I was relieved when she arrived ten minutes later. She put me at ease with her warm nature, and was open and easy-going.
Easy to talk to?
We both work with homeless people so we had a lot to talk about. Julie has recently completed a law degree, and has already started temporary work in the legal field. I found it interesting as I have a degree in criminal justice probation myself.
We talked about our travels and how we are both exploring more of Britain due to the pandemic. Julie wants to visit the Welsh coast, while I want to see Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire.
I like going to gigs and festivals, but our musical tastes don’t match — she likes acoustic music.
Embarrassing moments?
Julie could only stay for two hours and she had to leave rather quickly. When she left it seemed like she’d done a runner as I hadn’t paid for the bill yet, which was awkward. The date ended too abruptly for me, but I stayed to settle the bill.
Did sparks fly?
It’s difficult to gauge, as it was a new experience for both of us. I do like Julie and I find her attractive, but she has a busy life. She is a mum, runs a business and works full-time.
Did you kiss?
No, but I asked for her number and she blew me an air kiss.
What do you think she thought of you?
That I am good to talk to. We had a lot in common too, so that must count for something.
Would your friends like her?
Yes, definitely.