Will Kim and Richard get along on our new Blind Date?
Kim
Dating in the past?
I lost my husband six years ago. Although we had been apart for 11 years, I still consider myself a widow because we never divorced.
I have since had one relationship with a very supportive man.
Pre date nerves?
Yes, but it was more about being comfortable with myself, and not having expectations of meeting the right guy. I’ve been alone for a long time.
First impression?
I knew from the moment he walked up to me, exuding a nervous fear, that I wasn’t attracted to him. But I decided to just chat, explore and maybe make a new friend.
Kim said, “From the moment he walked up to me, exuding a nervous dread, I knew I wasn’t attracted to him”
Easy to talk to?
I’m afraid I found it all quite difficult. At first it felt like a job interview because he asked me question after question like, “What do you do for work?” and where do you live?’ The conversation never got going.
He’s a personal trainer and I work hard at self-care, so we kind of found common ground there. He had run marathons so I asked him all about that as I also run. But even then he was talking over me.
His shirt was too tight and he kept calling me ma’am
His idea of helping people is to raise money for charity once a year, while I’m the complete opposite with the work I do around addiction, at food banks, and volunteering for the environment.
As soon as I finished my pudding I thought it was time to go. Moreover, I wanted to go back to my daughter who was home alone.
embarrassing moments?
His shirt was very tight and I had to tell him when a button came undone in the middle of his chest. He also called me “ma’am” a few times, which I found strangely formal.
Did the sparks fly?
Absolutely not. No appeal, unfortunately.
See him again?
No, I’m sorry. He was too socially awkward, in my opinion.
When asked if her family would like him, Kim said, “No, they don’t. I think they would realize in seconds – as I did – that he wasn’t right for me.”
What do you think he thought of you?
Don’t know. Towards the end, he didn’t even try to say, “Will I see you again?”
But he was brave enough to say, “I wish you well.” I think we both knew we were a complete mismatch.
Would your family like him?
No, they wouldn’t. I think they would realize in seconds – as I did – that he wasn’t right for me, physically or emotionally.
Richard
Dating in the past?
I’ve been single for a year and a half. My last relationship lasted four years. I’ve only been on two dates since then.
Pre date nerves?
I would say more anxious. I was worried I’d be five minutes late, but she didn’t seem too concerned.
Richard said Kim was physically his type “blonde and the right physique for me” and said she looked “beautiful” in her pink pants
First impression?
Physically she was my type: blonde and the right physique for me. She looked stunning in pink trousers and a light gray checkered top and was very well presented. I hoped it would be a good date.
Easy to talk to?
She was very easy to talk to and I felt our conversation went quite well. It turned out she was from the same county as me, so we knew places in common.
She owns one of the beach huts I’ve always admired in Walton-on-the-Naze – but she didn’t seem in a hurry to invite me to see it.
She’s exactly my type: blonde, calm and not too stubborn
However, she seemed much more interested when the conversation turned to fitness and wellness.
One thing that stood out was that she was constantly taking text messages from her daughter and she was really worried about getting back to her house. So after we finished eating we got up, shook hands and that was it.
embarrassing moments?
At one point I sensed her body language that she didn’t want to be there. She put her hands around her neck, as if to comfort herself, which seemed like a sign that she wasn’t comfortable. Maybe I talked too much.
Did the sparks fly?
No romance for me or for her, I don’t think. I could have come across as a bit stronger romantically, but it felt wrong on a first date and I didn’t feel any kind of chemistry.
See her again?
I might like to see her again, but she didn’t seem enthusiastic and we didn’t exchange numbers.
At the end she said she had to go because she had things to do. It was clear she didn’t want to stay.
Richard said: ‘I could have come across as a bit stronger romantically, but it felt wrong on a first date and I didn’t feel any kind of chemistry’
What do you think she thought of you?
I didn’t get much from her. I complimented her on her outfit, but she didn’t give back about me.
Would your family like her?
Yes absolutely. She was exactly the “type” I’m looking for – blonde, quiet and not too stubborn.
Kim’s Verdict: 5/10
LIKED? The restaurant.
REGRET? That I wasn’t fond of Richard anymore.
COFFEE OR CABIN? Cab
Richard’s verdict: 8/10
LIKED? It was a fantastic day and I enjoyed everything.
REGRET? No, none at all.
COFFEE OR CABIN? Coffee.