Find out if Juliet and Martin hit it off on this week’s Blind Date
- Every week, FEMAIL asks two singletons to report back from their blind date
- Would you like us to find you a date? Are you a singleton, or is there someone you’d like to send on a blind date? Email: [email protected]
Juliet, 82
Vital statistics
Widow of six years, married twice, four daughters, nine grandchildren.
Current role
Retired homemaker.
Would like to meet
An amusing extrovert.
Juliet, 82, a retired homemaker, is looking for an amusing extrovert
Dating past
I’ve been married twice; my second husband died more than six years ago. I had lunch with one guy recently who suggested a cruise with a shared cabin, which was a bit forward on a first date. We haven’t seen one another since because he’s been ill. That’s the trouble with dating when you’re older — men don’t last as long as women, do they?
Pre-date nerves?
A bit! Since my husband died, I’ve lived on my own in the countryside with just my two dogs, Victor and Monty.
First impressions?
Good! Martin has grey hair and is quite attractive. He was friendly and came across as confident. I wore a black pinstripe trouser suit I last wore when my late husband and I went out to celebrate buying a villa in Menorca. Martin complimented me on my make-up. I felt confident, but then I did a modelling course when I was young, so it all came back.
Easy to talk to?
Yes. I was excited to meet Martin because he’s from Yorkshire, like me. Even though I now live in Sussex, I’ll always be a Yorkshire lass at heart. We talked about our daughters briefly — it was refreshing to be a woman first, rather than a mother or a grandma. I couldn’t believe I was out on my own in London, I haven’t done that in years. Martin is a lifelong aficionado of sailing, which sounds adventurous.
I was excited to meet Martin because he’s from Yorkshire, like me. Even though I now live in Sussex, I’ll always be a Yorkshire lass at heart
Embarrassing moments?
My daughter, Josephine, arrived at the restaurant after we’d been there for two-and-a-half hours. She’d organised a taxi home, and whisked me off like Cinderella, just as Martin and I were getting into our stride.
Did sparks fly?
I like Martin very much. I didn’t fall head over heels for him — those feelings are reserved for the younger version of Brad Pitt. But it was a fabulous date with a charming man. Martin did flirt with me, paying me lots of compliments, and I giggled back.
See him again?
Possibly. It’s a long way up to Yorkshire, but Martin’s attitude is ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’.
What do you think he thought of you?
Oh, he liked me. Put it this way, he didn’t need any encouragement.
Would your family like him?
My daughter sat down with us and warmed to him. My youngest granddaughter is 11, going on 30. She’d have a lot to say about my love life.
Martin, 79
Vital statistics
Divorced 22 years ago, two daughters, six grandchildren, one great granddaughter.
Current role
Retired accountant.
Would like to meet
A funny, well-travelled lady.
Martin, 79, a retired accountant, is looking for a funny, well-travelled lady
Dating past
I was married in 1971 and we split in 2000. I then had two long-term relationships while living in Canada for a few years, but nothing significant since I moved back to the UK in 2011.
Pre-date nerves?
No, none. I love surprises and it’s part of my belief system to live life (at times) outside my comfort zone.
First impressions?
Juliet looked elegant in a smart suit. She is a petite, blonde and very attractive. I’d made an effort and wore a dark blue blazer with black trousers. I didn’t bother with a tie because I’ve forgotten how to tie one! I’d arrived with a single yellow rose for Juliet. She has a fairly impish sense of humour and joked: ‘Just the one?’
Easy to talk to?
Yes, I had to borrow Juliet’s glasses because the writing on the menu was so small, but there was a sense of ease about it. We talked a bit about our love of sailing, although neither of us do it much now. I got the impression Juliet is more of a cruise-ship girl these days. I’ve lived in Scotland, Canada and Namibia and although Juliet is better travelled than me, it is very different when you actually live in a country.
Embarrassing moments?
Just as I was about to go in for the kill with a kiss, Juliet’s daughter turned up. We had a ten-minute natter but it was clear she’d arrived to whisk her mum away. A kiss could have been a perfect end to the date.
Did sparks fly?
I think so, but I’m an eternal optimist and romantic. If we’d have spent another hour together, I like to think the conversation would have veered towards something more amorous.
Just as I was about to go in for the kill with a kiss, Juliet’s daughter turned up. We had a ten-minute natter but it was clear she’d arrived to whisk her mum away
See her again?
I’d love to see Juliet again and I’d be terribly disappointed if I didn’t. We did touch on it — there is an expectation that this might develop into something. Perhaps a weekend in the Cotswolds together next year?
What do you think she thought of you?
I thought she quite liked me and that’s good because I really was on my best behaviour. I didn’t tell any rude jokes and kept the atmosphere light.
Would your family like her?
My grandchildren would adore Juliet because she is very much her own lady. My two daughters can be critical of me, and warn me ‘not to mess things up, Dad!’ I think they would be pleased if I was involved with someone.
Juliet’s verdict
8.5/10
Liked?
Being out with a grown-up.
Regrets?
None.
Coffee or cab?
Coffee.
Martin’s verdict
9.5/10
Liked?
Juliet is very nice.
Regrets?
Her daughter turning up.
Coffee or cab?
Coffee.
Source: Read Full Article