Susan, 70, therapist, meets Gerard, 68, retired social worker — a thoughtful lunch filled with warmth, wisdom, and honest reflections
On a crisp late February afternoon, Susan, a 70-year-old therapist, met Gerard, 68, a retired social worker, for a blind date as part of a special over-60s feature. Both hopeful for meaningful conversation and connection, the pair shared a lengthy lunch, exploring deep topics and exchanging laughs — though the elusive romantic spark never quite ignited.
Susan’s Take: Warm Conversations and Lobster Without Heavy Lifting
What were you hoping for?
Susan wanted a good conversationalist — someone with whom she could share an engaging dialogue and, hopefully, a spark of attraction.
First impressions:
Gerard came across as low-key and slightly uncertain but undeniably warm and friendly. “He had a comforting presence,” she said.
What did you talk about?
Their conversation was rich and varied: Gerard’s upbringing during the Troubles in Ireland, the generational trauma that still lingers, and Irish politics. They also shared their love of hill walking and the poetry of Seamus Heaney. Both having migrated to Scotland, they reflected on their experiences living there, and even touched on their broad tastes in music.
Most awkward moment:
There were none. “The whole time felt natural and easy.”
Good table manners?
“Yes, we used our cutlery correctly and savored the exquisite wine with elegance. Our waiter kindly reassured us the lobster would be shell-free, sparing us any need for ‘heavy-lifting gear, pickaxes or chisels’,” Susan joked.
Best thing about Gerard:
Susan found him easy and interesting to talk to, with a good sense of humour. She admired his perceptiveness and wisdom, drawn from years of frontline social work, along with his passion for a better society.
Would you introduce Gerard to your friends?
“Absolutely. I know my friends would warm to him and enjoy his company. He brings a lot to the table.”
Describe Gerard in three words:
Distinctive, compassionate, radical.
What do you think Gerard made of you?
“I hope he found me intelligent, unusual, and full of energy and passion for life.”
Did you go on somewhere?
No, they parted after lunch.
And … did you kiss?
No, just a warm hug.
If you could change one thing about the date:
“Nothing at all.”
Marks out of 10:
9.
Would you meet again?
“No — the spark just wasn’t there to encourage another meeting.”
Gerard’s View: A Suit Misstep and Warmth Without Romance
What were you hoping for?
Gerard entered the lunch unsure what to expect but hoped to find shared values and perhaps a longer-term connection.
First impressions:
He found Susan very comfortable in her own skin, radiating warmth. Though not immediately attracted, he hoped time spent together would foster emotional connection.
What did you talk about?
They shared stories about their children and grandchildren, previous long-term relationships, and current events. Their values aligned, and they found much in common through their professional backgrounds.
Most awkward moment:
Gerard realized he had overdressed in a suit, which Susan kindly noted might have been more fitting for a funeral than a casual lunch.
Good table manners?
Susan’s were impeccable — elegant and precise. Gerard admitted to a minor faux pas when he buttered his bread with the wrong knife, which Susan noticed but took in good spirit.
Best thing about Susan:
He admired her sense of self as a therapist and former hospital chaplain, and wasn’t shy about complimenting her gorgeous hair.
Would you introduce Susan to your friends?
He was unsure, concerned that his friends might perceive Susan as from a different social class and that she might not connect well with their rougher ways.
Describe Susan in three words:
Loving, relaxed, formal (in a generous sense).
What do you think Susan made of you?
He guessed she thought he was slightly out of place in such a posh restaurant but sensed she understood he had a kind heart.
Did you go on somewhere?
No — they parted ways after the meal.
And … did you kiss?
No, just a hug. They both agreed the geographical distance — living opposite sides of Scotland — was a major barrier.
If you could change one thing about the date:
He might have chosen less formal attire.
Marks out of 10:
8.5.
Would you meet again?
No, mainly due to distance and lack of romantic chemistry.
Summary: An Afternoon of Connection, Conversation, and Kindness — Without Romance
Susan and Gerard shared a thoughtful, engaging lunch filled with warmth and mutual respect. From the sensitive topics of history and trauma to the light-hearted note about Gerard’s overly formal suit, their meeting was honest and genuine. Despite their connection on many levels, the spark for romance was missing, and practical considerations like distance meant no follow-up meetings were planned. Still, both valued the experience and parted on friendly, affectionate terms.
