I wanted to feel a spark, but it was more of a friendly feeling
It was a memorable date — there was lots of chemistry
DATING PAST
I’ve been divorced for almost three years and, while I have been on dating apps, I haven’t entered a serious relationship since my divorce. That’s only because I haven’t found anyone I can really connect with.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
yeS, I was nervous! It’s the unknown, isn’t it? I was apprehensive about meeting a total stranger. I reassured myself by remembering they’d be feeling the same way too.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
ThankS to london transport, I was 15 minutes late to the restaurant. a waiter led me across to Sean and he instantly stood up, pulled out my chair and went in for a hug — I liked that. Sean looked smart in a yellow, long-sleeved shirt and black trousers. I was worried about how he’d react to me being late, but he immediately put me at ease.
EASY TO TALK TO?
he IS younger than me and yet he’s mature. he complimented me by saying I don’t look my age, but I’m not sure what a mum in her late-30s is supposed to look like.
Sean made me laugh when he told me he isn’t good at basketball, even though he’s 6 ft 5 in. he’s originally from nigeria, while I grew up in Mauritius. I’m fluent in French and I think Sean was quite impressed. he practised his very basic French with me, which was cute.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
The couple at the next table were clearly listening in on our conversation, which was awkward. also, we only had the table for two hours. It felt like we were being rushed and we didn’t get to have dessert.
DID SPARKS FLY?
I really wanted that immediate spark. Instead, I had more of a friendly feeling. I liked that Sean preferred women shorter than him, because he wants to feel protective. It’s quite a gallant thing.
SEE HIM AGAIN?
I SuSpecT Sean is interested in another date. he did say he’d love to take me to an african restaurant. I’d see Sean again for a friendly day out; at this moment, I don’t think it would be in a romantic sense.
WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?
Sean complimented me a lot. his open body language suggested he liked me too.
WOULD YOUR FRIENDS LIKE HIM?
They’D like the fact he walked me to the Tube and that he is easy to talk to. I arrived late and stressed, yet those feelings disappeared thanks to him.
DATING PAST
My only serious relationship was in my 20s. We were together for three years but, unfortunately, things went sour and she ended it suddenly. She is now married with two children and I am very much single. Dating during lockdown was nigh-on impossible. It was a frustrating 18 months and I’m ready for an adventure.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
no, I had time to settle in at our table and compose myself. I ordered some water while I waited for Sabrina. I didn’t want to start the party without her.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
WoW! Sabrina looked fantastic and I told her so. Sabrina is shapely and clearly takes good care of herself. She looked lovely in a shirt dress with a belt, leggings and ankle boots. She apologised profusely for being late. It was respectful of her to do so, although it sounded like she’d had the journey from hell.
EASY TO TALK TO?
yeS! We bonded over our love of seafood. For starters, I had crab and Sabrina went for scallops, and for main, we had the lobster linguini. We also talked about our cultural heritage and our favourite types of cuisine, such as jollof rice, a type of dumpling called boulettes, a Mauritian sea dish and a bean cake called moi moi.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
only when my knife fell off the table. I don’t think it bothered Sabrina. Thankfully, she didn’t remark or make a fuss about it.
DID SPARKS FLY?
yeS, there was lots of chemistry between us. Sabrina, I think, wanted to spend more time together. But we had to give the table up and Sabrina had to get home to her daughters. While she would like to have continued on, I worried about her getting home so walked her to the Tube station and gave her a hug.
SEE THEM AGAIN?
We DIDn’T exchange numbers, I wasn’t sure if we could. I would definitely like to see Sabrina again. It was a memorable date and a positive experience for both of us.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?
She told me I’m a gentleman and I’ll take that as a compliment.
WOULD YOUR FRIENDS LIKE HER? yeS. Sabrina is attractive and she is also lively company.
Interviews: SAMANTHA BRICK