He teaches yoga, so I thought he’d have a ponytail

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.