I found it strange when he took pictures of the food

RACHEL, 32

VITAL STATISTICS

SINGLE for around 18 months. CURRENT ROLE

PROPERTY assistant.

WOULD LIKE TO MEET

SOMEONE ambitious, funny and romantic who has a healthy lifestyle. I like cheeky charm, too, but not men who are full of themselves.

MY DATING PAST?

I was engaged once during a twoyear relationship, but that ended three years ago when we both decided it wasn’t working. since then, I’ve had a couple of boyfriends, but I’ve never been in love.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

I was much more nervous than I expected to be, my heart was racing and my legs were a little jelly-like, but in the end it wasn’t so scary.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

My fIRst thought was that he is attractive, but a bit slimmer than my usual type. and he has a lovely smile. he was so friendly and welcoming, I immediately relaxed.

he was smartly dressed in a white shirt and suit trousers. when I arrived, he got up to greet me and give me a kiss on the cheek. throughout the meal, he was extremely polite to the staff.

EASY TO TALK TO?

we’Re both northerners and so we share a similar sense of humour — we both laughed when alex wanted to film the chocolate bomb dessert. unfortunately he pressed the wrong button on his camera.

I discovered that alex had given up his career in finance to go back to university, and I admire him for making such a big change. however, because of that, we have very different lifestyles.

I feel his focus is his course, and he wouldn’t be able to commit to a relationship. My goals are to find love and settle down.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

I DID find it a bit strange when he took out his professional camera to take pictures of the food. he was working on a college assignment.

DID SPARKS FLY?

I knew early on that I didn’t fancy him, but I would meet up with him again as friends. It’s a shame the chemistry wasn’t there for me, as he’s lovely and such a gent.

DID YOU KISS?

afteR we finished our meal, he kindly waited with me for my taxi to arrive and then gave me a kiss on the cheek goodbye.

WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?

he tolD me I was beautiful, which made me feel great as I’m not a confident person. It’s lovely to make an impression on someone. I could have chatted to him for ages, but there is no point in trying to make it something it’s not.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE HIM HOME TO YOUR FAMILY?

yes, he’s an interesting guy who couldn’t have been nicer. he’d make someone a lovely boyfriend.