I hate the word “nice”, but that’s all she was for me

ALEX, 37

VITAL STATISTICS

SINGLE, no children.

CURRENT ROLE

PERSONAL trainer and life coach.

WOULD LIKE TO MEET

SOMEONE into their fitness, who enjoys helping others. I prefer women with long hair.

DATING PAST?

I’ve been single since before the pandemic. Before that, I had a couple of relationships — one was for six years and one for four years — as well as a few other on-and-off relationships.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

I was apprehensive; a blind date is out of my comfort zone.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

kaT was well-dressed, although I can’t remember her outfit. But as soon as she came towards me, I just knew I wasn’t attracted to her. she was attractive, but there was something about the way she held herself. It’s hard to pinpoint, but she seemed so nervous.

EASY TO TALK TO?

Yes, she was lovely. we had a few things in common. she likes her fitness and I’m a personal trainer.

we chatted about her childhood growing up in the Czech republic. kat used to work with young people as a children’s therapist. I told her I have been helping with a new start-up for children with suicidal thoughts, and could tell she had lots of empathy.

we talked about mental health and she really began to come out of her shell, but it was too late by then. we had both agreed we didn’t want another drink, so the date came to a natural end.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

The first 15 minutes were slightly awkward because she is vegan and couldn’t find a dish on the menu she liked.

DID SPARKS FLY?

nO. I hate the word ‘nice’, but that’s all she was for me. There was no chemistry but she was a very decent, nice person.

SEE HER AGAIN?

we dId swap numbers, after she offered her number to me, but I’m not sure we’ll stay in touch. still, I am going to message her. I had offered to send her some links about a film we’d talked about and the start-up I’m working on.

WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?

I ThInk she felt there was no connection. But she seemed to warm to me towards the end; she’d probably say I was pleasant and fun.

WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HER?

Yes, she came across as very caring, but perhaps not right for me.

Pictures: DAMIEN McFADDEN Hair and make-up: ARIANE YOUNG/ JOY GOODMAN Styling : LIZ HEMMINGS ALEX’S VERDICT: 6/10 LIKED? Hearing from someone with a different perspective. REGRETS? No regrets. COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.