Michelle, 60, is a voiceover artist
Pre-date jitters?
None. I was just excited and curious.
Your first impression?
Saul was pleasant-looking.
What were you hoping for from the evening?
I was hoping, and one can always hope, to find my beshert.
Did the conversation flow?
It did. No awkward silences either.
Did you discuss matters Jewish?
I really wanted to discuss this topic more and I tried to but he didn’t seem interested. In fact, he didn’t ask how important being Jewish is to me – and it means a lot. I grew up in a traditional household, I love all the festivals, cooking Shabbat dinners and greatly enjoy going to Chabad events. I don’t believe Saul even knows which shul I attend. He told me about his security role at his shul on Shabbat but said that he only ventures inside on Kol Nidre. And after I’d said I keep a kosher home and eat non-offensive food when I’m out, he proceeded to order a lamb shank and told me there is not much he won’t eat.
Did you discuss matters Israeli?
Superficially, and, again, I would have loved to talk about this subject more. I told Saul I was born in Israel and that I have two daughters who have made aliyah. He didn’t ask where they live. I told him I was there four times last year and with grandchildren now being born in Israel, I intend to visit often. He hasn’t been to Israel in a long time and I am looking for a partner who enjoys visiting the country. I told him I go to ulpan classes but he didn’t seem interested. He did utter a few basic French words during the meal but as I speak the language fluently, the conversation ended.
Would he get on with your friends?
They are very accepting so, yes, he would.
Saul said he remembered meeting me at a dance event. I was none the wiser until he reminded me.
Did sparks fly?
Not for me. I’d be happy to remain friends.
Any no-nos?
That he has never been married and doesn’t have children. And his non-kosher diet is an issue for me.
Plans to see each other again?
I’m sure we will bump into each other again at some point, but at the age of 60 years of age I don’t want to embark on a relationship when my non-negotiables aren’t met.
Saul in three words?
Friendly, positive, well-meaning.
What do you think Saul thought of you?
Well, he’d like to see me again. He gave me his number and said it is up to me to call.
Michelle (Photo: Gary Manhine)[Missing Credit]
Saul, 60, works in the City
Pre-date jitters?
Not particularly.
Your first impression?
Didn’t really get the chance to make one, but knew I’d seen her around.
What were you hoping for from the evening?
That I wasn’t going to want to leave after the first five minutes and that I would have to feign politeness.
Did the conversation flow?
Absolutely. From the moment we sat down, until I walked her to her car, there wasn’t any lull.
Did you discuss matters Jewish?
Only that she keeps kosher at home.
Did you discuss matters Israeli?
Nothing beyond the fact that she has family there.
Would Michelle get on with your friends?
I believe she would. She’s a natural conversationalist, with a wide knowledge of different subjects.
Did you discover people in common?
Yes, but that’s between us.
Did sparks fly?
We sparked off one another but I’m unsure if there was anything more.
Any no-nos?
For me, yes. But that’s an opinion formed after a few hours together on one evening. It might not be fair reflection.
Plans to see each other again?
She’s going away to see her family and will be in touch when she’s back and has had time to reflect.
Michelle in three words?
Intelligent, articulate, knowledgeable.
What do you think Michelle thought of you?
Good company, probably not for me.
Saul (Photo: Gary Manhine)[Missing Credit]
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