He didn’t like me smoking, but I’d give up for the right man She said I look like Jay Blades. I took it as a compliment
DATING PAST?
I MET my son’s father in my late teens and we were together for ten years. then I met my ex and we were together for 20 years, but he was unfaithful. So I’ve been single for four years and not dated anyone since.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
OH YES, my heart was racing and I had butterflies. I’ve never tried proper dating before so I was terrified.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
EDWIN was tall and fairly slim and smartly dressed, wearing a Peaky Blinders-style cap. I told him he reminded me of Jay Blades from the Repair Shop and meant it as a compliment. he didn’t set my heart racing but he seemed lovely.
EASY TO TALK TO?
WE NEVER stopped chatting. his family are from Jamaica and my ex-partner was Jamaican too so I’ve been several times — we talked for ages about the food and the culture. he was telling me about all the museums he’s been visiting because he loves London so much. It was like I’d known him for ages.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
I TOLD him I was a smoker and he was like ‘hmmm’, but I don’t know if that put him off. I know lots of people don’t like the smell so I’d give up for the right person.
DID SPARKS FLY?
NOT at first. Initially, I’d have given him a four or five out of ten, but once we’d got to know each other, I found him more attractive — around a seven. After the date, he was such a gentleman, carrying my case down the stairs at the station. Afterwards, we had a peck on the cheek and he texted to make sure I’d got home safely and to tell me he’d be in touch.
SEE HIM AGAIN?
YES, he’s a lovely man and, if nothing else comes of it, I think I’ve found a new friend.
WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?
I THINK he must have liked me because he has texted to say he wants to visit me. I’d be happy to go out with him again.
WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HIM?
YES, I think so. he’s very charming and friendly, and there’s nothing to dislike about him.
DATING PAST?
I’VE been single for about six months but have had about four or five major relationships in my life, and I’ve been engaged twice. my last long relationship was about four years ago but I’ve been dating ever since.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
NOT really. Luckily, I don’t get too nervous.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
I WAS running late but when Jo found out I’d come from manchester, she was very forgiving. She said she was 50, but if I’m honest I thought she looked a bit older. Still, she was attractive, wearing a white top and black leatherstyle trousers.
EASY TO TALK TO?
YES, she said I reminded her of Jay Blades from the Repair Shop so that was a nice start to the date. Jo doesn’t drink but I didn’t feel awkward about ordering a cider, and it didn’t seem to bother her either. She’s from Peckham and I’m a big Only Fools And horses fan, so we laughed a lot about that. I felt we had a good cultural connection. One thing I wasn’t too keen on was that she smokes, but all in all, the date went well. we chatted pretty much non-stop for three hours.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
NO, I CAN’T think of anything. I felt very comfortable throughout our time together.
DID SPARKS FLY?
THERE was definite chemistry and attraction there. we didn’t really flirt, but we had a peck on the cheek when we left each other.
SEE HER AGAIN?
SHE’S never been to manchester, so I’ve said she can come up and visit if she wants. And we’ve swapped numbers so we’ll keep in touch.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?
I THINK she was attracted to me because her ex was Jamaican like me, so I think I was her ‘type’ physically.
WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HER?
I THINK so. She’s got a funny side to her and a real cockney accent which I think my friends would love.