Stephanie, 63, a freelance archaeological specialist, and Simon, 59, a statistician, meet for a multi-course dinner filled with lively conversation, mutual values, and just a touch of misalignment.
Stephanie on Simon: “A good man – but maybe I was a bit too much”
Stephanie went into the evening with an open heart and a sense of humour. “I was hoping for an adventure,” she said, “and ideally, a fun night with someone outgoing who could match me in spirit and conversation.”
When she first met Simon, her instincts told her the evening might not unfold as she’d imagined. “He looked… a little disappointed when we were introduced,” she observed, gently. “I don’t think I was quite what he was expecting.”
Still, she found him pleasant: “Good-looking, nicely dressed, a sweet smile. A bit nervous, perhaps.”
But once seated, they hit a rhythm – discussing everything from education to politics to environmental issues. “We actually shared identical views,” she said, “which was a surprise and a real plus.”
Yet, despite the conversational alignment, something didn’t quite click. Stephanie noticed Simon seemed increasingly distracted. “There was a moment when he saw how many courses were still coming and looked absolutely dismayed,” she laughed. “He even checked his watch – not very subtly!”
Most awkward moment? “That course-counting watch glance. It was hard to miss.”
Best thing about Simon? “He’s genuinely nice. You can tell he cares about his family deeply.”
Describe him in three words: Sincere, likable, guarded.
What do you think he made of you? “Probably that I talked too much. The meal was long – maybe it was a bit much for a first meeting.”
Did you go on somewhere? “No, he had to dash off for his train.”
Did you kiss? “No. A friendly goodbye, nothing more.”
If you could change one thing? “I wish we’d had a stronger rapport, given how much we agreed on.”
Marks out of 10? 8.
Would you meet again? “I’d be happy to meet as friends, in a less pressured setting.”
Simon on Stephanie: “Four hours, a shoulder injury, and possibly too much wine”
Simon approached the date with modest goals. “I just didn’t want to make a complete idiot of myself or bump into anyone I knew,” he joked. “I managed the second part – the first, I’m less sure about.”
His entrance was a comedy of errors. “A staff member introduced me to the wrong woman at first – I almost spent the evening with someone else entirely,” he laughed. “Then I was hovering outside, trying to catch the cricket score and hoping for close of play before heading in. Priorities.”
When he finally did meet Stephanie, his first impression was positive: “She looked friendly. Warm smile. Confident.”
The date stretched over an ambitious tasting menu – an experience that tested their stamina. “The dinner was over four hours long,” Simon said. “We had plenty of time to talk – and we covered everything.”
Topics included climate change, bereavement, politics, Spanish festivals, dating apps, and cats. “She’s very articulate, thoughtful, and clearly passionate about her work and interests,” he noted.
But there were challenges. “I’d injured my shoulder the day before, so I was in quite a bit of pain,” Simon admitted. “Also, I may have drunk an unwise amount of wine to compensate. Not ideal.”
Most awkward moment? “Aside from nearly going on a date with the wrong person? Probably realising just how long that meal was going to take.”
Best thing about Stephanie? “Her intelligence and enthusiasm. She laughs a lot – that’s always a good sign.”
Describe her in three words: Laughs a lot. (Yes, that was the full answer.)
What do you think she made of you? “I was trying to keep my oddball humour in check, so I might have come off a bit serious.”
Did you go on somewhere? “There wasn’t time – I had to bolt for the last train.”
Did you kiss? “No – we weren’t each other’s type, and that was obvious early on.”
If you could change one thing? “I wouldn’t have been in pain, and I’d have paced myself better on the wine.”
Marks out of 10? 7.
Would you meet again? “I wouldn’t be against it.”
Final Thoughts: A Thoughtful Evening Without Sparks
Stephanie and Simon’s blind date was long, lively, and filled with interesting ideas – but romance? That stayed off the menu. Still, their mutual respect, shared values, and ability to laugh at the evening’s quirks (and each other) made for a meaningful connection, even if only as friends.
Some dates are for fireworks. Others, like this one, are slow-burning conversations with plenty of food, a bit of wine, and lessons in compatibility.
