‘I couldn’t date a woman who didn’t Katya’ like my
JUSTIN, 57 VITAL STATISTICS
SINGLE for eight years, no children.
CURRENT ROLE
INTERPRETER and linguist.
WOULD LIKE TO MEET
SOMEONE kind and, as I’m 5ft 5in, ideally around my height or shorter. I’m not looking for a fling.
DATING PAST?
I Met my ex in 1998 and we married a year later. we were together for four years. since then, I have been in a few relationships but things didn’t work out.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
I thOUght I would be nervous on the day, but I wasn’t. I was wearing navy trousers with a red shirt and a vintage cord jacket. I’d decided to bring my dog Katya with me. she’s almost two and, yes, I did acquire her during lockdown. she sleeps on my bed and I don’t like to leave her on her own — but I am starting to. Katya has been out on a date with me before. I think it’s unlikely I’d be compatible with a woman who didn’t like her.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
sUsan looked lovely. I liked what she was wearing. I didn’t tell her, though, and I should have done. I don’t go for overly glamorous women, but susan looked smart. she’s shorter than me and looks younger than her age, too.
EASY TO TALK TO?
yes. we did go there on the no-no topics of religion and politics, and we discovered that our political views are similar.
susan really liked Katya. It’s clear she’s used to animals, although Katya did whimper a bit when I left her with susan while I went to the loo.
I’m pescatarian and, while our date was at a pet-friendly restaurant, unfortunately there weren’t many options on the menu. In the end, we both had a mushroom risotto.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
I’M nOt sure if it is embarrassing or more just me feeling awkward, but I am a slow eater and it took me a while to get through those mushrooms.
DID SPARKS FLY?
It’s a difficult question to answer. I do think attraction can grow, and susan is good-looking with a sweet face. we hugged at the end of the date.
SEE HER AGAIN?
yes, I think so. It was my idea to exchange numbers, and we’re talking about seeing a film together.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?
I thInK she liked me. susan is quite shy though, so it’s hard to be sure.
WOULD YOUR FRIENDS LIKE HER?
yes, susan is artistic and a bit alternative. she’s overseeing her home renovation and I like that she’s doing it on her own.