Frances, a 77-year-old retired marketing manager, and Eddie, an 86-year-old activist, recently met for a blind date arranged by The Guardian. The evening took place at Vivo restaurant in Nottingham, where they shared Italian cuisine and engaging conversation.
Frances on Eddie
Frances admitted she was hoping for a lovely evening with pleasant company, and her first impressions of Eddie were positive. She noted that he looked much younger and fitter than expected and had brought her flowers and a thoughtful card, which helped break the ice. Their conversation covered politics, Eddie's interest in animal rights and protests, and Frances's hobbies of golf and volunteering. They talked about everything, and Frances reported no awkward moments. She praised Eddie's excellent table manners and described the best thing about him as his openness to other views. Although he holds strong opinions on politics and animal rights, he was willing to accept different perspectives. Frances found him thoughtful, kind, and caring.
When asked if she would introduce Eddie to her friends, Frances was unsure, as she felt many of them might not have much in common with him. She described Eddie in three words: political, fit, and caring. Frances hoped Eddie thought she was okay and had her heart in the right place. After dinner, they only went to the bus stop, and there was no kiss, just a hug on arrival and departure. Frances would not change anything about the evening, giving it a strong 8 out of 10. They exchanged numbers, but the distance of more than 100 miles might be prohibitive. However, they discussed the possibility of a picnic together.
Eddie on Frances
Eddie was hoping for a femme fatale to make a better world, but failing that, he was content with two strangers enjoying each other's company over Italian food. His first impressions of Frances were that she was smart, with a great appearance and an easy-to-be-with manner. They talked about whether love makes the world go round and what they are looking for, given that time is not on their side. Eddie reported no awkward moments, despite knocking over a glass of red wine with Italian gusto, which Frances kindly helped to clean up. He described the best thing about Frances as her being a straight, honest talker and a good listener.
Eddie would not introduce Frances to his activist friends, as he felt she is way too gentle for them. He described her in three words as having a lovely caring nature. He also noted that she is an ambitious dreamer with a sense of purpose and loads of good energy. Eddie believes that distance should not stand in the way of love, so he met Frances even though she was in a different city. He did have to catch the last train home, however, and there was no kiss. He would not change anything about the evening, giving it a perfect 10 out of 10. They exchanged numbers, but Eddie feels they are at different stages of their journeys.
For those interested in a blind date, applications can be sent to blind.date@theguardian.com.
