Every week the Mail asks two single people to report on their blind date. This week, Kaye and Rich talk about their dinner date experience. Read on and find out how it went…
Kaye, 45
Essential statistics: Single for a year, no children.
Current role: Writer and broadcaster.
Would like to meet: A proactive, social man with his own ambitions.
Dating past?
I’ve had a handful of relationships, but I’ve never wanted marriage or children. Normally my relationships reach the two-year mark before I realize I’m happier on my own.
Pre-date nerves?
No, I lived abroad for ten years, from the Middle East to the Cayman Islands. Meeting a stranger for lunch wouldn’t faze me.
First impressions?
Good. Rich looks good and is well groomed. He’s the kind of guy who, if you introduced him to your friends, would immediately say, “He’s an attractive man.” I greeted him with a hug – even though I do that with everyone.
Kaye, 45, has had a handful of relationships but never wanted marriage or children
Easy to talk to?
Yes, Rich has a real glass-half-full mentality. He’s had about 500 different careers, and I’ve done a lot in my life too. He seemed baffled when I told him about the TikTok videos I make as a guide. We also discovered that we are both leaving in January. I’m going to Nicaragua to work remotely while Rich heads to the Philippines.
Embarrassing moments?
No. My only nitpicky observation is that Rich didn’t really ask me any questions. I have a life too, and it would have been nice if he had shown a little more curiosity about it.
Did sparks fly?
Zero. I guess Rich thought I was too old for him. For me, attraction is about the person and not their age. I have dated both older and younger men. Still, I wasn’t that upset because I had no expectations and knew he wasn’t really my type either.
Will you see him again?
Lunch came to a natural end when we finished eating. Rich said he had a train to catch, which was absolutely fine. We hugged each other goodbye, but there was no suggestion that we should go anywhere else.
What do you think he thought of you?
I don’t think he was romantically interested, but Rich was friendly, warm and interesting. I hope he thought the same about me.
Would your friends like it?
Certainly. Rich is a good storyteller and very social. You can take it anywhere and never have to worry about it.
Rich, 40
Essential statistics: Single for two years, no children.
Current role: Graphic designer and event manager.
Would like to meet: Someone who is relaxed and looking for adventure.
Dating past?
My first serious relationship started when I was 17 and lasted six years. Since then I have been in a three year relationship and a two year relationship. I’m getting worse at them.
Now that I’m forty, my parents are starting to wonder when I’m going to settle down. My younger brother is 35, married, has children and already has a second home. He’s a real adult, while I’ve spent much of my adult life working and traveling.
“Now that I’m forty, my parents are starting to wonder when I’m going to settle down,” Rich says
Pre-date nerves?
No. I talk to complete strangers for a living. What’s the worst that can happen?
First impressions?
Kaye looked beautiful. She has amazing eyes, an incredible smile and teeth (I’m assuming they’re not turkey teeth!)
She was a little older than me. For me that wouldn’t be a problem – I had a brief relationship with someone ten years older than me and would love to do that again. But I could tell she was in her mid to late forties.
Easy to talk to?
Yes, we are very similar. I thought I had traveled well until I met Kaye. I also told her about my rather extreme resume. She was impressed that I had worked as a firefighter and shocked that I had also been a life model. She was probably wondering how I’d managed to fit it all in before I turned 40.
Embarrassing moments?
No. We were both very open with each other.
Did sparks fly?
Unfortunately there was no chemistry between us. Kaye is an attractive woman, but there just wasn’t that sexual spark that I had in the past. It wasn’t until I was walking to my train that I realized we hadn’t exchanged phone numbers. That’s never happened to me on a date before. I think that says it all.
Will you see her again?
I would because Kaye and I clicked on many levels. If we lived closer, I would definitely meet her for coffee.
What do you think she thought of you?
Hopefully she thought I was confident, happy and relaxed.
Would your friends like her?
Yes, Kaye looks a lot like me, so she would fit in well.
Did you like it? His sunny attitude.
Regret? No. I always say yes to new experiences.
Coffee or taxi? Coffee.
Rich’s rating: 8/10
Did you like it? It felt like I had known her forever.
Regret? No.
Coffee or taxi? Coffee.
INTERVIEWS: Samantha Baksteen
