Jonathan and Katie decide against romance after blind date

2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 9

The pair met at Town House at The Kensington in London, rated the evening 8 out of 10 and ended it with a short walk but no kiss.
Both said they enjoyed discussions ranging from environmental activism and sci-fi to politics, and described each other as kind, friendly and passionate.
They said an age gap and different life stages limited romantic potential, though Jonathan said he would meet Katie again as a friend.

Is the 'age gap' a convenient excuse for a simple lack of chemistry on blind dates?

How have major political issues like the rise of the far right become casual first-date conversation?