‘I told her she looked gorgeous; we shared a rather magical kiss’: It’s a match for Viv and Dutch on this week’s Blind Date

• Every week, FEMAIL asks two singletons to report back from their blind date
• Would you like us to find you a date? Are you a singleton, or is there someone you’d like to send on a blind date? Email: [email protected]

VIV, 59

Single for five-and-a-half years, no children.

Dating Past

I was married for ten years, followed by an 11-year relationship. Since then, nothing has gone beyond three months. But lockdown made me realise I was lonely, so I’ve been on a few first dates recently.

Pre-Date Nerves?

Of course — I’d be lying if I said otherwise. My hand was shaking when I took the first sip of my drink.

Viv, 59, is looking for someone taller than her — she’s 5ft 9in and likes wearing heels. He’ll enjoy keeping fit and healthy, and won’t be old before his time

First Impressions?

Dutch definitely doesn’t look his age. He arrived looking very dapper in a Panama hat and a lovely patterned shirt. He’s slim and tall at 5 ft 11 in. We both complimented one another on our outfits, and it wasn’t awkward at all.

Easy To Talk To?

The waiter taking our order had to return a couple of times because we were so busy chatting. We talked about Dutch’s two sons, one of whom got married last month, while the other son married last year.

We’re both walkers, although Dutch plans his, with a rucksack and flask, whereas I like to stop at a pub or cafe en route.

He rescued a cat during lockdown — Finn was found with all his legs broken after being dropped off a tower block. Since then, he has gone from not trusting humans to sleeping on Dutch’s bed.

To me, Dutch is a hero for taking Finn in, and the more he talked about his cat the more I found I liked him.

Embarrassing Moments?

Not really, although Dutch told our waiter we were on a blind date and he offered to act as wingman for both of us. Sweetly, at the end of his shift, he came to say goodbye.

Did Sparks Fly?

I instantly liked Dutch as he walked to the table. But I was too nervous to actively flirt with him.

Viv says she instantly liked Dutch when she saw him approaching the able, but she was too nervous to flirt with him 

See him again?

Yes. Dutch is one of those gentle humans who is genuinely intelligent and funny. We went for a walk after our lunch. As we parted, we exchanged a hug and a kiss on the cheek. We’ve been in touch via messages and phone calls since, but not yet arranged to meet up.

What do you think he thought of you?

I think Dutch liked me. He certainly complimented me, saying I looked lovely and not at all my age.

Would your friends like him?

We took a selfie together in the restaurant and my girlfriends have said he seems really lovely and that we look good together.

BLIND DATE VITAL STATISTICS

VIV

Single for five-and-a-half years, no children.

CURRENT ROLE 

Personal trainer.

WOULD LIKE TO MEET

Someone taller than me — I’m 5ft 9in and I like wearing heels. He’ll enjoy keeping fit and healthy, and won’t be old before his time.

DUTCH

Divorced, single for four years, two sons.

CURRENT ROLE

Record producer.

WOULD LIKE TO MEET

An adventurous, fun and physically active woman. I’m not looking for someone who is settled, retired, smokes or is a heavy drinker.

DUTCH, 65

Divorced, single for four years, two sons.

Dating Past

When I left the Army in my late 20s, I met up with my school crush. We married, raising two fabulous boys, and divorced 23 years later, although we remain friends. Since then, I’ve been in three relationships over the past 13 years and been totally single since 2019.

Pre-Date Nerves?

Yes. This is a big thing for me. But I do love the company of women, so I reminded myself to focus on ensuring my match enjoyed the date.

Dutch, 65, is looking for an adventurous, fun and physically active woman. He doesn’t want someone who is settled, retired, smokes or is a heavy drinker

First Impressions?

Viv looked great in a Pretty Woman-style polka dot dress. We greeted one another with a kiss on the cheek and I complimented her with a ‘Wow! You look gorgeous’. I asked her if she’d like a glass of champagne as fizz seemed right for a special occasion.

Easy To Talk To?

Yes — Viv is a personal trainer and her clients are usually referred to her for medical rehabilitation. I was impressed that she had chosen a profession in which she is dedicated to helping people feel better; it says a lot about her.

We both love animals and walking in the woods. I told Viv about my rescue cat Finn. He was so angry and resentful at first, and I don’t blame him. It took me four months to win his trust.

Embarrassing Moments?

No, nothing got knocked over.

Did Sparks Fly?

Yes, I think so. I had to remind myself to shut up and let Viv talk. I flirted with her by deliberately making good eye contact, smiling, complimenting and saying I’d like to do this again. I also found silly little things to make her smile because Viv has a lovely smile. At my instigation, we had a walk in the park after our lunch ended.

Dutch says he flirted with Viv by deliberately making good eye contact, smiling, complimenting and saying he wanted to see her again 

See her again?

I told Viv I’d love to see her again. We said goodbye with a rather magical kiss. It was on the cheek, with a quick embrace, but it felt more exciting than that. Since then, I’ve been bonkers busy and I know Viv is, too — but we’ll find a date. It will happen.

What do you think she thought of you?

I got the feeling we got on.

Would your family like her?

I showed our photo to my daughter-in-law, who told me we looked good together.

VIV’S VERDICT: 9.5/10

LIKED? Everything about my date with Dutch.

REGRETS? None at all.

COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.

DUTCH’S VERDICT: 10/10

LIKED? Viv is a lovely, warm person. 

REGRETS? No. I loved the date. 

COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.

Source: Read Full Article