Who’ll find love on our blind date? This week it’s Susan, 56 and Justin, 57

SUSAN, 56 

Dating Past? 

I was in a long relationship until five years ago. Since then, I’ve had boyfriends but none terribly serious. 

Pre-Date Nerves? 

Oh, yes, but I was also excited. I’d told my family and a few close friends, and they were excited for me, too. As for what to wear, I was torn between trousers and a dress. I settled on the dress because it was a sunny day — and why not?

First Impressions? 

I arrived bang on time — it’s normal for me to be punctual. Justin was seated near the entrance, so I had no trouble finding him. He’s slim with dark hair and was very smiley and approachable. 

He brought along his bichon frise cross Katya, who sat by his seat throughout our lunch. She’s adorable and definitely makes Justin who he is. His concern for her welfare and delight in her enjoyment of life just radiates through him. Justin adopted her from overseas and it took a lot of effort to bring her into the country. 

Easy To Talk To? 

We were very sympatico. We discovered we’d both been to the Soviet Union as teenagers — me for a school trip and Justin as part of a group. It goes without saying that we talked about our pets, but while I’d like a dog, my cat Manx is rather old and I couldn’t introduce a dog into her life. 

We also laughed about selling things on eBay. I’ve been attempting to sell a bag, while Justin has been trying to sell a bike. We both had the mushroom risotto and we each had a heavenly, albeit small, glass of burgundy.

Embarrassing Moments? 

Katya barked at the maitre d’ — fortunately, everyone laughed. 

Did Sparks Fly? 

Justin is a really nice person. He’s bright and sincere, and we have a lot in common. We swapped numbers at the end of the date. 

See him again? 

Yes, we’ve got a movie date in the pipeline. 

What do you think he thought of you? 

Justin told me I seemed creative, which was flattering. Hopefully, he thought I was easy to talk to and friendly. We were together for two-and-a-half hours and we parted ways when Justin paid for the date. He had to walk Katya and I had plans for the evening. 

Would your family like him? 

Yes, Justin is fascinating. He’s kind and caring, too, which they’d like. 

JUSTIN, 57 

Dating Past? 

I met my ex in 1998 and we married a year later. We were together for four years. Since then, I have been in a few relationships but things didn’t work out. 

Pre-Date Nerves? 

I thought I would be nervous on the day, but I wasn’t. I was wearing navy trousers with a red shirt and a vintage cord jacket. I’d decided to bring my dog Katya with me. She’s almost two and, yes, I did acquire her during lockdown. She sleeps on my bed and I don’t like to leave her on her own — but I am starting to. Katya has been out on a date with me before. I think it’s unlikely I’d be compatible with a woman who didn’t like her. 

First Impressions? 

Susan looked lovely. I liked what she was wearing. I didn’t tell her, though, and I should have done. I don’t go for overly glamorous women, but Susan looked smart. She’s shorter than me and looks younger than her age, too. 

Easy To Talk To? 

Yes. We did go there on the no-no topics of religion and politics, and we discovered that our political views are similar. 

Susan really liked Katya. It’s clear she’s used to animals, although Katya did whimper a bit when I left her with Susan while I went to the loo. 

I’m pescatarian and, while our date was at a pet-friendly restaurant, unfortunately there weren’t many options on the menu. In the end, we both had a mushroom risotto. 

Embarrassing Moments? 

I’m not sure if it is embarrassing or more just me feeling awkward, but I am a slow eater and it took me a while to get through those mushrooms. 

Did Sparks Fly? 

It’s a difficult question to answer. I do think attraction can grow, and Susan is good-looking with a sweet face. We hugged at the end of the date. 

See her again? 

Yes, I think so. It was my idea to exchange numbers, and we’re talking about seeing a film together. 

What do you think she thought of you? 

I think she liked me. Susan is quite shy though, so it’s hard to be sure. 

Would your friends like her?

Yes, Susan is artistic and a bit alternative. She’s overseeing her home renovation and I like that she’s doing it on her own.