STEF, 64
Single for seven years, with a daughter, 22.
Dating Past
I was married for 17 years and then had a partner for another 17 years. They were both very different men — physically and emotionally — so I definitely don’t have a type.
I’d like a special person in my life to sometimes lean on and share things with.
Pre-Date Nerves?
Yes, because I’m a bit emotionally vulnerable right now. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy. Coming out the other side has made me realise life is short, so it’s time to try something outside my comfort zone.
Stef, 64 (pictured) has been single for seven years and has a daughter, 22. She is currently a driving instructor
First Impressions?
Bruce is a bohemian kind of guy and I liked that. He isn’t an in-your-face hippy, but he was wearing a flowery shirt and has a 1960s-style beard. He’s tall and slim with a kind face. I don’t think he’s athletic — I didn’t see his muscles because he was wearing a long-sleeved shirt.
Easy To Talk To?
Yes, we’re both renovating our homes. Bruce is doing his house up on his own, learning new skills, while I’ve hired tradesmen.
We have similar music tastes and both like Bruce Springsteen, except he’s the person at the front of the crowd, whereas that’s too claustrophobic for me. I’m near the back in case I need the loo.
My one regret is that I didn’t travel when I was younger. We talked about this, and I said I’d love to go to Vietnam. By sheer coincidence, Bruce is actually going there in October.
Embarrassing Moments?
No, and I didn’t talk to him about my illness either.
Did Sparks Fly?
Not for me. Bruce is a lovely, genuine person. He even bought me a present, which was so thoughtful. It was a preserved rose. If he lived in my town, he’d be my best friend and going-out buddy because we have so much in common.
See him again?
No, we live three hours apart and there would have to be a huge attraction to make that distance work. Bruce sent me a text while I was on the train home asking to see me again. I let him down.
What do you think he thought of you?
Hopefully he thought I was a funny, intelligent, strong woman not afraid to try new things.
Would your friends like him?
As a friend, my girlfriends would accept Bruce.
BRUCE, 64
Divorced, single for a year, with a son, 32, and a daughter, 29.
Dating Past
Married (although not particularly happily) for 30 years. I left the marital home in 2016, and the divorce came through in 2018.Since then I’ve had two relationships: one around six months, the other for a year or so. I liked the idea of a blind date because there is an equal commitment to finding someone on both sides.
Pre-Date Nerves?
Yes, it all felt very unknown. But I’ve told my mum I’m doing this and she is pleased.
Bruce, 64, pictured, is divorced and has been single for a year, with a son, 32, and a daughter, 29
First Impressions?
When I arrived, the maître d’ took me in the direction of a much older woman and I had a slight ‘oh gawd!’ moment. Fortunately, we walked past her. Stef is a very attractive, tall and slim woman, and was wearing a lovely red top.
Easy To Talk To?
Yes, we have similar tastes in music and are both fans of Queen. I’m the Aerosmith end of rock whereas Stef is more of a Foo Fighters girl. She has been to Glastonbury with her daughter — it’s somewhere I’d like to go.
Stef has always wanted to go to South East Asia and I’m going in October — should I have invited her along?
Embarrassing Moments?
Stef popped the gift I bought her next to her chair. We were close to another table and one of the diners had a similar gift bag, which Stef mistakenly took when we were leaving — everyone had a laugh about it.
Did Sparks Fly?
They did for me — I’d describe it as a spark of attraction. And I’d view a follow-up date in her seaside town in the West Country as a lovely day out.
But I’m based in Northamptonshire, and Stef made it clear that such a distance meant any idea of ‘us’ was a no from the start.
See her again?
No, I don’t think so. I texted Stef suggesting we see one another again. She replied saying it’s too far — but it’s only 300 miles.
What do you think she thought of you?
No idea, and I’m normally good at picking up on those things. But I wasn’t gobsmacked to read Stef’s text turning me down.
Would your friends like her?
Yes — Stef is a lovely person who’d get on with anyone.
STEF’S VERDICT: 7/10
LIKED? Being brave enough to take part.
REGRETS? No regrets.
COFFEE OR CAB? Cab
BRUCE’S VERDICT: 8.5/10
LIKED? We were very compatible.
REGRETS? Stef is so far away.
COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.
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