He asked me to give him a twirl, which was quite shallow
Karen said she doesn’t shave her armpits — that put me off
DATING PAST
IN a word ‘rubbish’! I have tended to rescue men with issues. While I’ve been married once, I haven’t dated for a few years. I’ve had health problems and last year I finished a three-year degree in contemporary art, graduating with a 2:1 Ba (hons).
PRE-DATE NERVES?
WhILe I tend to feel anxious, I find it easy to chat to new people. I couldn’t resist popping a photo of me done up for the shoot on my Facebook page. the ‘likes’ did my pre-date ego good.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
Steve was instantly friendly and looked dapper. he was wearing a quirky red velvet waistcoat with a shirt, tie and jacket. he came across as a jolly person. Steve did ask me to stand up and give him a twirl so he could see me full length — I said no. I thought it was quite shallow.
EASY TO TALK TO?
FOr the first hour Steve talked about himself. he’s recently left his job, his marriage, and moved towns. I was initially sympathetic because I’ve been there, but it was a bit heavy for a first date.
then he went from talking for so long to a sudden ‘and what about you?’. It stumped me briefly. he seemed impressed I’m setting up a natural burial ground and liked that I’m a crafty type of person. I enjoyed hearing about Steve’s cars; he has a blue 1970s Chevy.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
NO, But I accidentally pocket dialled Steve the next morning. I was in my pyjamas, bending down to feed the cat with my phone in my back pocket when I heard someone saying: ‘hello? hello?’ thankfully, he saw the funny side.
DID SPARKS FLY?
I thINK they did on Steve’s part. he said if it wasn’t for Covid he’d have jumped in his car and come to see me. I could see us going out for dinner and a drive in his Chevy.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET IN PERSON?
ON reFLeCtION no, even though we spoke for almost two hours until Steve’s phone was out of battery. I don’t think we have enough in common to warrant meeting up.
WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?
he tOLd me I’m a cracker. the compliments flowed. But then he’s been a salesman for 35 years.
WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HIM?
yeS, there is nothing not to like about Steve.
DATING PAST
I’ve been married twice. My last marriage ended in November 2019. Lockdown was a gift as I took time out from my career and secured a job driving the elderly to hospital. In October 2020 I moved back to Basingstoke to be near my son who became a father and now has another on the way. I’ve been single for 14 months.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
NO, I’ve had a couple of spiritual readings and both predicted that this year would be the best one of my life. I was excited getting ready for the date. I wore a jazzy waistcoat with a nice shirt and tie.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
KareN doesn’t dye her hair, so it’s long and greying, which is unusual these days. She’s a Mother earth type and not into designer outfits. She has a lovely smile, a curvy figure and isn’t ditzy at all.
EASY TO TALK TO?
KareN is a part-time teaching assistant and is involved in eco-warrior stuff. She has plans to own land as part of a community and become carbon neutral. She grows her own vegetables and is an artist. I was impressed by what she fits into her life. Karen hasn’t had a television for 20 years so we couldn’t talk about our favourite programmes.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
WheN Karen said she doesn’t shave her armpits or anywhere else on her body, I honestly didn’t know what to say.
DID SPARKS FLY?
NO, NOt for me. the body hair issue put me off. I don’t like women with hairy armpits. Karen is the kind of person who would live happily on a commune, but I’d go for a week then return home dying for a hot shower. I’d be happy to drive an electric car, but not give up my pick-up truck.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET IN PERSON?
NO. It was the body hair issue.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?
I’M ruBBISh at this type of analysis and invariably get it wrong so I’ll pass on this question.
WOULD YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS LIKE HER?
My MateS would think she’s too far out for me. My son, however, would love Karen because she cares about the environment and saving our planet.