Virtual Date
He teaches yoga, so I thought he’d have a ponytail She told a politically incorrect joke — it was hilarious
DATING PAST?
MY Most recent serious relationship was five years ago, as I have put my career first, working in the technology sector and as a management consultant. I spent my late 20s working in sydney, where I dated only occasionally. I came back to the Uk in November.
I went on a date the day before lockdown began. But while we wanted to meet again, we agreed there was no sense in waiting around until goodness knows when.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
I was excited rather than nervous. I’m used to talking online for work, but this was a different prospect. I chose to wear a black dress with a floral print.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
paULo is rather handsome. on screen I could see only his head and shoulders, but he has a lovely smile and I could tell he was friendly.
I knew he was a yoga teacher, so I was expecting him to look a bit like a guru, with his hair in a ponytail. But he had smart, shortish hair. that was my fault for having preconceived ideas!
EASY TO TALK TO?
whILe we didn’t have any technical difficulties, it did take a while to get used to being on a virtual date. I’d prepared some food, but it felt weird to eat while chatting, so I stuck to my watermelon cocktail.
we discovered we had both left the corporate world behind. paulo told me he quit his job in finance to live a life that brings him closer to happiness, while I’ve taken on a less stressful freelance role. we agreed that it’s an extremely hard thing to do, and I was pretty impressed.
I learned he also walks dogs, which I love as I’m obsessed with them.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
NoNe. But I’d had quite a few cocktails by the end, so I might have talked more than I realised.
DID SPARKS FLY?
It’s hard to say because the virtual environment feels quite a professional one. we didn’t flirt, but we got on well.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET IN PERSON?
I had a genuinely lovely time, so I would like to meet him to see if there is chemistry between us.
WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?
I sUspect he thinks I don’t like small talk and don’t beat about the bush — I ask rather straight-to-thepoint questions.
WOULD YOUR FRIENDS LIKE HIM?
theY absolutely would.
DATING PAST?
I was focused on my career as an accountant in my 20s and 30s and worked long hours, so I didn’t have much time to date.
But five years ago a family member fell seriously ill and I left my job to live near them. I then went travelling before returning to London, but I haven’t had the chance to meet anyone yet.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
I was nervous but intrigued.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
VIctorIa is warm, open and happy to talk freely about herself. she also made an effort to listen.
although we both had food, we agreed to stick to drinks, because dipping away from the screen to eat felt weird. Victoria had cocktails while I enjoyed white wine.
EASY TO TALK TO?
we chatted about how much our lives have changed in the past five years.
Victoria has recently returned from a four-year stint in australia, and seemed to respect the path I have taken.
she didn’t flinch when I explained that teaching yoga doesn’t deliver the same pay cheque as my previous career. she practises kundalini yoga, which is a different style to the yoga I do daily, but I am glad she is interested in it.
while I tend to be a quiet person and have been happy with my own company during lockdown, it was a fun way to spend an afternoon.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
there weren’t any. In fact, as the date came to an end, Victoria made a very politically incorrect joke which really made me laugh. she obviously realised that I wouldn’t be offended — I liked that about her.
DID SPARKS FLY?
we kept it neutral because it’s hard to be flirtatious online — you can’t read body language and there’s no human touch. But we had a lovely date.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET IN PERSON?
Yes. Meeting in person is the best way to see if there is chemistry and potentially more between us.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?
I hope she thought I was approachable and a good listener.
WOULD YOUR FRIENDS LIKE HER? theY would think she is cool and quirky, and shares their sense of humour.