The date lasted an hour, but 15 minutes was enough for me

DATING PAST

I had a few short-term partners in my early 20s, followed by a sevenyear relationship. We were married for three years, but separated 18 months ago as we didn’t want the same things. I’ve been working out what I want from life and, this year, I want to do things outside my comfort zone — a Zoom blind date certainly falls into that category.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

I WaS excited and terrified in equal measure. While I’m good at public speaking, my brain goes to mush in the presence of an attractive man. I decided to wear a floral dress with puffy sleeves, which I’d bought just before the pandemic.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

danny was quiet but, oddly, a loud dresser. I was surprised to see him in a floral-print shirt. he seemed to struggle to get going with the date. he didn’t seem comfortable and mostly looked off-screen.

EASY TO TALK TO?

no, We just couldn’t get past small talk. I tried to draw him out with questions about film and travel, but his responses were generalised and didn’t leave much for me to respond to. It was uncomfortable.

I wasn’t sure if it was me at first but, actually, it didn’t matter what subject I raised, danny didn’t want to go any deeper.

I did find out that he studied music and plays piano, but I didn’t get a sense of his passion. We’re both foodies, yet didn’t get beyond discussing our meal for the evening. I asked about his favourite cuisine, and he said he liked most things. I was surprised that he wasn’t more chatty, given he works in radio.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

danny asked me how I thought it went. I was honest, saying I didn’t have a lot to go on so wasn’t sure.

DID SPARKS FLY?

no. We chatted for 58 minutes but, after 15, I knew that was enough for me. It was a very long hour. maybe we weren’t in the right headspace.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET IN PERSON ?

no, ThanK you. my gut tells me it would have been the same in real life. We swapped Twitter handles.

WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?

ProBaBly that I wasn’t a good conversationalist. at one point I googled: ‘Things to talk about on a first date.’ Then, at danny’s suggestion, we did a pub quiz.

WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HIM?

IT’S hard to say because he didn’t go into any detail about himself.