Jane, 48 (pictured), is a flower shop proprietor who has been married for two years.
JANE, 48
What is the Dating Past?
I was married for 14 years, and I’m now ready to meet my lifelong partner. I’ve been on dates, but no one has tickled my fancy yet.
Pre-Date Nerves?
No, I’d already asked what my date’s favourite colour was so I could prepare a surprise bouquet of flowers for him. Stacey had said red, so I put together a Christmassy bunch with roses and berries — first impressions count. And no, this isn’t something I’ve done before.
First Impressions
I made it on time, but no one was around the table. As I looked around, there was only one man with gray hair. I started to feel nervous at this stage. It was then that I was relieved when the waitress said my date had been to the gents.
Stacey looked like Pierce Brosnan to me when I first saw him. I’m fussy yet Stacey looked fit.
Are you easy to communicate with?
Our mutual love for India was what brought us together. My mum was born there, so I’ve backpacked around the various states on countless occasions.
Stacey owns a campervan. My mom has encouraged me to purchase one. He joked that as he owns one, I wouldn’t need to buy one now. He likes Cornwall and takes off all over the UK.
He also asked me about Teddy, my kitten. It turned out that Stacey used to own Teddy. This was quite sweet.
I did wonder — do we have a snog in the doorway?
Because he is an avid yoga practitioner and a vegan, we had a soufflé and sweet potato Keralan curried, while I had tempura shrimps and salmon. We had two heavenly cocktails instead of dessert at the bar: an espresso martini, and one that was prosecco-based.
Are You Embarrassed by These Moments?
We laughed when the waiter broke a glass.
Sparks Fly!
Stacey has a good look and we get along like a firework. At the end of the evening, I wondered, ‘Do we have a snog in the doorway? Or do I jump in a cab?’ I went for the cab. We’ve done act one, now I’m ready for the second act.
Seen him again?
Yes, we’ve arranged to meet again for drinks. We have the world at our fingertips.
You think that he was thinking of you.
Stacey said that his mother might be interested in me. I think this is a great sign. It was a great match. It was quite a relief.
Do you think your friends would like him?
Yes, he’s a nice guy.
Stacey, age 49 (pictured), is a business-owner who has been unmarried for the past two years.
STACEY, 49
What is the Dating Past?
We were married for 16 years. We both realized that our lives were different and we separated.
Since then, I’ve had one long- term relationship which lasted for three years until 2019.
Pre-Date Nerves?
Some butterflies, but I think that’s a good thing as I don’t want to be over-confident or cocky.
Impressions:
As I approached the table, a woman waved to me. Jane was the woman. Jane looked stunning in an olive-coloured short dress. We kissed on one cheek.
Jane had arrived with an overnight bag after the photoshoot and I joked, ‘Overnight bag? That’s forward!’ Straight away Jane said, ‘No, it’s my yoga mat’ — a nod to my dating profile. It was nice to see that she is willing and able to give the best she has.
Her flower company is based in the city so she gave me beautiful flowers. It was sweet and an unusual gift.
Are you easy to communicate with?
Yes, I went straight to the cocktail menu. Six cocktails were shared between us, and we bonded over them.
Jane is a well-traveled woman and Jane and I talked about our travels to India, Sri Lanka and South America. We also both have a hot tub and a fire pit — make of that what you will!
She arrived with an overnight bag, and I joked ‘That’s forward!’
What are embarrassing moments?
At the exact same moment I was arriving, a woman appeared at my table. I assumed it to be Jane. It was actually Anita Dobson, an actress. Luckily, I didn’t ask if she was my blind date.
Sparks Fly!
There was definitely something, but we’ll have to see. Jane is a great friend and is beautiful.
Do you want to see her again?
Yes, we’re trying to set up another date. I’ve sent Jane pictures of my flowers, too, to show her that they made it home and how bad I am at flower arranging.
You wonder what she thinks of you.
It was obvious that she loved me. Evidently, she was concerned about my vegan diet and the fact that I practice yoga. I think she quickly realised I’m not a tree hugger.
Do you think your friends would like her?
Jane is smart, fun and quite honest. This is something I admire about Jane.
Do you fancy a romantic dinner with a single? You might also be interested in playing cupid for another person. Email your — or their — details and a photo to blinddate@dailymail.co.uk