Every week, the Mail asks two singletons to report back from their blind date. This week, Amanda and Jonny, who are both passionate about art, recount their dinner date experience. Read on to find out how it went…
Amanda, 62
Vital statistics: Divorced, single for two years. A daughter, 38, son, 36, and four grandchildren.
Current role: Visual merchandiser, toy shop.
Would like to meet: A man who likes to dance, is in good nick and enjoys National Trust properties.
Dating past?
I divorced at 28 and brought up my two children – then just three and one – alone. I only started to date when they were older and even had a brief marriage in 2007. I’ve given up on dating apps – I’ve come to the conclusion all the good men are married.
Pre-date nerves?
Definitely! Even though I’ve turned 60, there are times I feel like a 16 year old. My children – and especially my son-in-law – are tickled that I’m doing this.
After bringing up her two children alone, Amanda only started dating after they were older
First impressions?
Well! Jonny’s style is not for me. He turned up in a T-shirt with ‘Peace’ written across it, plus baggy jeans and a pair of Jesus sandals.
What does he look like? It was hard to see his face because he was wearing quite chunky glasses.
Easy to talk to?
Jonny is an artist, so I asked to see his paintings. They’re far too avant-garde for me – and when I asked if he made a living from them, he admitted he hasn’t sold one.
His profile mentioned he’d been on a date with the actress Gillian Anderson and I couldn’t imagine the two of them together.
Embarrassing moments?
I thought we had both agreed to have a starter but Jonny hadn’t ordered one. So I had to eat a large plate of crispy duck by myself.
A friend put Amanda forward for Blind Date, and after hearing all about it has decided that Amanda hasn’t found her soulmate yet
Did sparks fly?
Absolutely not and I sense he picked up on it, too. Jonny asked the waiter to take a picture of us and it was a bit cringey.
He had his arm around me and I could feel his hand on my back. But even though I hadn’t wanted any physical contact, I obligingly leaned in for the photo.
See him again?
No, Jonny is a sensitive soul but he isn’t for me. We went for a stroll after lunch and I kept my hands in my pockets so he didn’t try to hold my hand.
What do you think he thought of you?
He said I had a nice smile.
Would your friends like him?
They would know that Jonny is not the man for me. My friend who put me forward listened to my summary of the date and said: ‘I’ll keep looking, shall I?’
On the date: Amanda in her Laura Ashley-style flowery dress and Jonny wearing his ‘Peace’ T-shirt
‘I had a fling with Angie Bowie… I’m not as promiscuous now’
Jonny, 63
Vital statistics: Single for eight years, 12 children through sperm donation (three I’ve recently met).
Current role: Artist and content creator.
Would like to meet: A chilled woman with a positive outlook, who has done self-development.
Dating past?
I’ve never married and haven’t had a proper relationship for a long time. All told, I’ve had ten or so significant girlfriends and I did have a fling with Angie Bowie when I was 21.
Pre-date nerves?
No, I’m too old to be nervous.
Jonny found Amanda to be a bit conservative – ‘though she’s aged incredibly well’
First impressions?
Amanda was already at our table enjoying the first of many gin and tonics. She’s an attractive woman and was wearing a curious Laura Ashley-style flowery dress.
Even though I found her a bit conservative, she’s aged incredibly well. I said she has a nice smile – which she does.
Easy to talk to?
Yes, Amanda seems like a happy person and I warmed to her stories about her children.
She trained as a holistic therapist but had to stop because of repetitive strain injury.
I don’t think Amanda is living her dream. Art is her major passion and she showed me some of her work. I really liked her modernist take on buildings.
Embarrassing moments?
I burped once but the noise in the restaurant covered it up.
Did sparks fly?
I didn’t take one look at Amanda and think: ‘Oh my goodness I’m going to spend the rest of my life with you.’ We’re both in our 60s – any relationships now are a slow burn. Luckily for Amanda, I’m not as frivolous or promiscuous as I used to be.
Jonny is a content creator and artist but his work is far too avant-garde for Amanda
See her again?
I did invite Amanda to a health and fitness festival near where she lives. We went for a walk after lunch and I offered to drive her to the train station but she declined.
What do you think she thought of you?
Intuition tells me Amanda doesn’t think I am a good match for her, although she did thank me for turning up – I probably shouldn’t have told her I’d considered being a no-show. (The drive from Brighton to London was a lot.)
Would your friends like her?
I think so, yes. I have older friends who accept anyone pretty. I know that’s shallow, but that’s men for you.
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]
