‘ I warned him that I never kiss’ on the first date

DATING PAST?

i Met my ex-husband in turkey. it was a holiday romance and we got married after nine weeks. we were together for six years, but ultimately the relationship didn’t work out because he’s 14 years younger than me. since then i have dated, but i pick the wrong guys — i always get the wounded ones. i’ve kissed a lot of frogs and now i want my prince.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

a few. My boss put me forward for this. she knows i’m open to trying new experiences. My job means i meet people all the time so if he’s shy, i can make small talk.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

lee looked lovely, wearing a shirt with dark jeans and trainers. he used to be a DJ and doesn’t ‘do’ formal shoes. even so, he was presentable and i noticed he smelled clean and fresh. he admitted he was nervous, so i told him just to enjoy himself. then i said: ‘to warn you, i don’t kiss on a first date.’ it definitely broke the ice.

EASY TO TALK TO?

lee is a gentleman and sorted out drinks, ordering me a glass of prosecco while he had a rum. he is clearly a genuine, caring dad to his son and daughter. he was understandably hurt when his marriage ended, but i liked that his ex encouraged him to go on a blind date. she wants him to be happy.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

when the waitress brought over my first glass of prosecco, she spilled it down lee’s coat. he joked he’d be getting on the train home that evening smelling like a wino.

DID SPARKS FLY?

once the nerves were gone, we had a good laugh. we went for a drink after the date while we waited for our trains. Both of us are so recently out of our marriages that it’s a bit soon to say what could happen. i took a picture of us and he asked for a copy — that’s when he gave me his number. we’ve been in touch since and agreed to see what happens.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE HIM AGAIN?

Dating anyone would be a slow process for me as i have my son to consider. But i can’t fault lee, so who knows?

WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?

he was so lovely and complimentary towards me. he kept telling me i’m a nice person.

WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HIM?

lee isn’t hard to get along with. yes, they would.