KIWI AUTHOR
Journalist OLIVIA CALDWELL details the highs and lows of finding love in her new book Dating The Kiwi Male
‘I want to meet a man the oldfashioned way’
Where did the idea for the book come from?
My love life to date has landed me in these absolute disasters. I’m sort of an accidental Bridget Jones. It is tremendously entertaining for my friends in loving relationships, not so much for me. But I laugh because what else can you do? As a writer, I noticed men would say, “So will you write about me?” I’m like, “‘Of course not. I will barely remember you after this mediocre encounter.” But the idea stuck in my head, so here I am.
What did you take away from writing the book?
There is no hope… kidding.
I think I know what I want and require in love. I want someone who can laugh at themselves and who is the same man in public as he is behind closed doors.
What was the best part about putting the collection of stories together?
Talking to the women of New Zealand and laughing together – we see the funny side. They were all such wonderful, intelligent and fun women. Just like me, they had the ability to laugh at themselves and realise dating isn’t something to fear, but a story, a chapter and, if you are lucky, love.
What is your best opening line on Tinder?
I dislike dating apps, if I’m honest. I have never had a success story, just a few ridiculous mismatches, which are in the book. It’s just not me. I am old-fashioned and I love the feeling of meeting a handsome guy who gives me butterflies. It is rare, but it is the nicest feeling in the world.