Karin, 60, who works in trial management, meets Lloyd, also 60, a theatre reviewer and sketch writer, for a date where politics, patience, and a perfectly mixed martini all had their moment.
Karin on Lloyd: “A little late, a little tense – but interesting company in the end”
Karin was approaching the evening with an open mind and a curious spirit. “I was hoping for a new experience,” she said, “and some good conversation in an elegant setting. If nothing else, a good meal.”
But when her date didn’t appear at the agreed time, things got off to a rocky start. “I honestly thought he wasn’t coming,” she admitted. “But the staff were incredibly sweet. They brought me cocktails and nibbles while I waited – and when he finally did arrive, I’d had just enough of their signature martini to forgive him.”
Lloyd, it turned out, had simply gotten lost trying to locate the elusive venue – something Karin was happy to overlook once they got talking. “He was a bit flustered at first, but soon relaxed,” she said. “And from there, the conversation flowed easily.”
They covered a wide range of topics: theatre, Tony Blair, not eating meat, growing up in Wales. “We didn’t go too deep into politics, which was probably for the best,” she noted with a smile.
Most awkward moment? “Definitely the waiting. But once we were seated, it was fine.”
Best thing about Lloyd? “He has strong cultural interests – I liked hearing his perspective on theatre and writing.”
Describe him in three words: Serious, interesting, open.
Did you go on somewhere? “No, I had to catch a train back home.”
Did you kiss? “No – but we hugged goodbye. It was warm, friendly.”
What would you change about the evening? “More time. I’d have liked a bit longer to talk.”
Marks out of 10? 8.
Would you meet again? “Possibly.”
Lloyd on Karin: “She waited 45 minutes for me. That’s the kind of patience you don’t forget”
Lloyd admits he was a little frazzled before he even sat down. “The restaurant was hidden in the middle of a roundabout – I kid you not – and I arrived 45 minutes late. She was already there, beautiful, blonde, and calm. That patience alone deserves a medal.”
To ease the tension, Karin immediately recommended a martini, which turned out to be just what he needed. “It was their house cocktail – very Bond. Honestly, I owe that drink my composure.”
From there, conversation took off quickly and naturally. “We talked about her three grown-up children – she’s raised them so well. I consider that a big accomplishment,” he said. “We also talked about her name – ‘Karin’ means ‘clear,’ which suits her, I think.”
But there was one slightly fiery moment. “I got a bit ranty – probably about Brexit. I apologised, but she just smiled and said it showed I was comfortable with her. That meant a lot.”
Best thing about Karin? “She’s kind, instinctively so. And that’s the quality I value most.”
Describe her in three words: Kind. Kind. Kind. (He insisted it needed repeating.)
Did you go on somewhere? “Sadly, no. She had to catch a train – a shame, because I’d have liked to keep talking.”
Did you kiss? “Let’s just say it was a public goodbye, and we behaved accordingly.”
What would you change about the evening? “That she didn’t have to leave so early.”
Marks out of 10? Eleven. (“If I could give higher, I would.”)
Would you meet again? “Absolutely. Without hesitation.”
Final Thoughts: A Misstep Start, But a Martini-Smooth Finish
Though their date began with delays and detours, Karin and Lloyd ultimately found common ground over culture, shared laughter, and candid conversation. From the Rolling Stones to Brexit rants to missed second drinks, the night may not have sparked romance, but it left the door open to something equally valuable: connection.
Whether or not there’s a second act for this pair remains to be seen — but they’ve definitely got the chemistry for a good sequel.
