He didnt get handsy and he didnt gush over me… it would have been very different if he did Frankie and Peter had a great Blind Date… but this is why she was put off by him

Every week, Femail asks two singletons to report back from their blind date.

This week, it was Regine and David’s turn to see if they were a match.

Here’s what happened.

Frankie, 63

Dating past?

I was married for 27 years. Since my divorce, I’ve had three relationships, each lasting up to three years. I’ve now been on so many dates that I can only conclude most men have been emotionally damaged by this stage of life.

Pre-date nerves?

Not really, no. I’m pretty sassy – I knew that even if there wasn’t a spark, I’m curious enough to find out my date’s life story.

First impressions?

Yummy – Peter ticked every box! He’s tall with a decent physique and a friendly, approachable face. I noted his neat, recently trimmed hair and beard. When he stood up to greet me, I instigated a double ‘kiss-kiss’ hello. I work in London so I greet strangers this way all the time. The cosmopolitan approach may have shocked Peter a little, though.

Easy to talk to?

Yes, we’ve both previously been married a long time, but we didn’t dwell on that part of our lives. We both believe that, at 60, life is only beginning. Peter and I did knock back a fair bit of booze on our date. I had a glass of fizz followed by two or three glasses of sauvignon blanc. Honestly, I don’t know what possessed me!

Embarrassing moments?

Yes! Before the date, I put facial oil into my eyes instead of eye drops (the bottles are the same size). I had to confess all to Peter because the menu was blurry.

Did sparks fly?

No, and I don’t think they did for Peter, either. He is good-looking but chemistry isn’t about good looks. Even though we were together for more than three hours, he didn’t get handsy or flirty. It would have been a very different afternoon if he had!

See him again?

Yes, but as a friend only. We had a hug goodbye and that was it.

What do you think he thought of you?

An entertaining woman to spend an afternoon with. Peter didn’t gush over me or offer up any platitudes, either. Frankly, I’d have found it creepy if he’d insisted: ‘I’m in love with the colour of your eyes.’

Would your family like him?

Yes. But they’d want to know he isn’t draining me. Luckily, they’d trust my judgment on Peter being one of life’s easygoing guys.

Peter, 60

Dating past?

I was married for 36 years and since I’ve been single, I’ve had a few brief encounters. I’m not active on the dating scene, no one truly is at this age. When you’re a bit more mature, my philosophy is what happens happens.

Pre-date nerves?

None, I don’t have a nervous disposition.

First impressions?

Excellent. Frankie is very tall, slim and goodness me is she attractive. However, I felt right from the start that she wasn’t up for romance. What gave me that impression? Just a hunch, but I know when a woman is interested in me and Frankie wasn’t.

Easy to talk to?

Yes, Frankie is one of life’s talkers. She is an open book and a great raconteur, going over her previous relationships and her marriage. Was it a bit of an overshare on a date? No, I was fine listening to her talk about her past. She’s from South Africa and told me about her career switch from accounting to aesthetics. We’re both actively pursuing new careers. I’m opening up a tap room, where you can sit and enjoy a craft beer, ale or lager next to where it has been brewed. We both had a few glasses of wine with our meal.

Embarrassing moments?

Not really. Except Frankie has got dry eyes and put the wrong drops in before our date. I imagine it was very painful for her because she confessed she almost postponed our lunch.

Did sparks fly?

Physically, Frankie is a very attractive lady and I was attracted to her. Call it a sixth sense if you will, but straight away I got the feeling it wasn’t going to go any further between us. I always follow a lady’s lead, which meant that sadly there were no fireworks.

See her again?

Yes, for a friendly lunch. We both drank a fair bit, but would I spend over £100 on alcohol as we did on our date? Probably not.

What do you think she thought of you?

Frankie is a polite woman, but I think she was put off by my beard. Facial hair really polarises opinion. And I think Frankie prefers her men smooth-faced.

Would your family and friends like her?

Yes, Frankie is emotionally intelligent and I admire the way she’s handled life’s trickier situations.

Interviews by Samantha Brick