MAURA HIGGINS: ‘MEN ARE INTIMIDATED BY ME’
News flash, gents – this saucy lady is a softie at heart
She’s the poster girl for female sexual empowerment – and single-handedly brought the term “fanny flutters” to the nation. So, you might think confidence would come easy to Maura Higgins. But according to the 29 year old, she’s actually quite shy, especially if she really likes a guy – something that makes dating a bit tricky at the best of times. But during a pandemic? It’s almost impossible.
Now, six months after splitting from her Love Island beau Curtis Pritchard, Maura’s finally ready for long-term love. And she’s got a message for any gents out there who might be intimidated: don’t judge a book by its ballsy banter…
First things first: what’s going on with [Love Islander] Chris Taylor? We’re all convinced you’re dating… Nothing! We just laugh about it. It would feel strange taking things further, because we’ve been friends for such a long time and would hate to ruin the friendship – we just like to have a laugh together. We don’t really see each other like that, but we get on very, very well. Does it bother you that you’re constantly linked with any guy you hang out with? I’m used to it now. I don’t really think about it. I’ve said so many times that men and women can be friends and I have a lot of male best friends. And I don’t believe in being friends with benefits – I’m not really sure how that would work. Have you got your eye on anyone at the moment? No, I’ve been focusing on myself. But I have been single for quite a while now, and I feel like I’m probably ready to date again – there’s just nothing really on the cards. Have you been getting busy on any of dating apps? I haven’t. But I don’t think I could meet someone online – I want to meet them face to face. It’s weird, I’m such a confident girl, but I kind of feel nervous about dating again. It’s been a long time. I’d only ever been on one first date before Love Island! So, I’m not actually used to the dating game.
Do you think you’re ready to settle down? No marriage and kids any time soon, I think. But I’m 29 – I’m ready to meet The One. Then again, when I think about my age, I put pressure on myself and I don’t want to do that. Do you think guys are too intimidated to approach you? I’m hoping they’re not intimidated, but part of me thinks they might be. From looking at me on Love Island, they see a very fiery, confident woman – but I promise I’ve calmed down a bit. I’m actually a romantic at heart. And when I really like someone, I get really shy around them. n
‘I don’t believe in friends with benefits’