Virtual Date
Paul was smiley and welcoming — he liked my hair He looks young for his age and I look older than my years
DATING PAST?
I was in a relationship with a woman in my late teens for two years. I’ve since had one proper relationship with a guy which lasted for five years.
In 2020, I lost 5 st. I started to feel good about myself, so created an online dating profile. But each time I was due to meet with someone, I’d back out. I just didn’t feel ready.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
oH, yes! I’ve never been on a virtual date before. what do I wear? what do I drink? what if there’s no chemistry? I tied myself up in knots. In the end I wore a black pussy-bow silk shirt. I dithered over the food and drink as well, but eventually chose prosecco and cheese.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
Paul seemed lovely. He was smiley and welcoming and instantly made me feel relaxed by introducing himself and complimenting me on what I was wearing. Paul had on a floral shirt, and has a warm, open and friendly face.
EASY TO TALK TO?
yes, the conversation was dominated by our jobs. Paul is a theatre manager and has worked on musicals including Billy elliot and Joseph and the amazing technicolor dreamcoat. I’m a fan of musicals so was delighted to learn about his profession. the last show I saw was & Juliet, which one of Paul’s friends had worked on. we laughed quite a bit, too.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
I MaNaged to knock over my lovely glass of prosecco and had nothing to mop it up with. I didn’t want to leave it soaking on my table, but also didn’t want to go to the kitchen to fetch a cloth, so I ended up using my trousers to discreetly wipe it up. I hope Paul didn’t notice!
DID SPARKS FLY?
Not romantically, but I feel like we could meet up and have a good time together. we spent an hour chatting and the time flew by. we only ended the date because Paul wanted to cook a steak for dinner.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET IN PERSON ?
yes, definitely.
WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?
ProBaBly that I’m a bit young for him. He did say I don’t look my age. But he also mentioned I’ve got nice hair and a big smile.
WOULD YOUR FRIENDS LIKE HIM?
If we were out together in a group, my friends would get on with Paul.
DATING PAST?
My work has always been my first love. I’ve had a couple of nice relationships, but they have revolved around my job commitments. while I do meet new people every day, I’d never date anyone at work as I’m usually the boss.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
I decIded to focus on how I’d set up the screen rather than dwell on my nerves. I’ve never done anything like this before and, while I have put on a bit of weight during lockdown, I’m going to go into it with an open mind.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
Mark’s a cute guy with dark hair and is softly spoken, but quite confident. He looks young for his age and I look older than my years!
He was wearing a nice black top with a bow and had already served himself a flute of prosecco. I had a large glass of red wine.
EASY TO TALK TO?
yes, although we had different experiences of lockdown. Mark worked every day, whereas I was at home because the theatres were closed.
I know I would struggle to have a relationship with Mark and that’s mainly because of our jobs. Mark works nine to five for an online clothing company — so when he’s finishing work, I’m starting. we’re clearly both focused on our careers so this would be difficult.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
No, I don’t think so. we chatted away like I do with my friends.
DID SPARKS FLY?
Mark’s not the type of guy I usually date and I don’t think the chemistry was there for either of us. I had never been on a virtual date before, but found it a great alternative to dating in real life.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET IN PERSON ?
yes, I’d definitely go for a drink with Mark. who knows what could happen? He’s a lovely guy.
WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?
I doN’t know. Maybe that I’m some old, camp theatre manager with lots of show-business stories. I hope he thought that I was a decent guy.
WOULD YOUR FRIENDS LIKE HIM?
yes, my friends are open and chatty. they would make Mark feel welcome.