A Date After a Decade and a Half
For Sarah, a 53-year-old psychologist, the prospect of a blind date was a significant step. She hadn't been on a date for nearly 15 years, a fact that would later resonate with her companion. She was hoping for a romantic connection or, at the very least, the chance to get to know someone new. Her date was Russell, a 61-year-old behaviour officer.
First Impressions and a Whirlwind of Chat
Sarah's first impression of Russell was of a tall, slim man who seemed to be in a rush upon arriving at Bar Iberico in Nottingham. The conversation that followed was described by Sarah as a 'whirlwind of abstract musings'. They covered a vast array of topics, from his love of Montessori education and children's play to her whale-watching trip to Iceland and tree-planting projects.
Russell, who had been hoping for a 'highly intelligent woman who loves a meaningful chinwag', was delighted by Sarah's warm smile. He was particularly taken with her stories of Iceland and her family's tradition of giving apricots instead of chocolate eggs at Easter.
Manners, Musings, and Marks Out of Ten
There was no shortage of good manners. Russell thoughtfully spotted Sarah struggling with mussel shells and procured an extra plate for her. He later reflected that his own nerves from his long dating hiatus were showing, admitting, 'I may have talked too much. In fact, I know I did!' and wishing he had 'taken a chill pill'.
When it came to scoring the evening, Sarah gave the encounter a 7 out of 10, appreciating Russell's amiable nature and passion for community projects. Russell was more generous, awarding a 9 out of 10 and praising Sarah's ability to share and exchange thoughts.
The Verdict and Future Puffin Plans
The evening concluded without a kiss or plans to go on elsewhere. Sarah felt a slower pace of conversation would have been better, while Russell sensed she had 'had enough and didn't fancy me'.
However, a potential friendship blossomed. Both agreed they would introduce each other to their friends. Most promisingly, they exchanged numbers with a plan to visit Bempton Cliffs in North Yorkshire to see the puffins. As Sarah put it, a meeting again was on the cards, 'maybe as friends'.
