I was married for 52 years, and my wife passed away three years ago. I’m not particularly interested in meeting somebody new, but I feel I need to broaden my horizons. So I have arranged this lunch date with a lady today.

I feel nervous and apprehensive and just a bit strange. And I feel – not guilty – but I feel disloyal, I suppose.

I think my wife would be quite happy because she always said to me: I want to go first before you. I know you’ll be able to look after yourself.

Today, I hope I feel at ease, and that there’s no awkward silence. My wife always said, with the exception of two women that she knew, she didn’t care who else I went with. My wife did have a sense of humour.