‘ When I arrived he was on his phone and didn’t even look up ’

DATING PAST?

IN MY 20s and 30s, i worked in hospitality at home and abroad. i was married to my job. But six months ago, i left and started a new career. now i’m ready to begin dating again. i don’t bother with the apps; they’re generally pretty smutty and full of sleazy types.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

MY HEART was beating out of my chest. i knew my date was from york, so i’d nicknamed him ‘mr yorky’ to my friends. i was wearing a flowery dress and a jacket, and before i left home my son reassured me i was doing something brilliant. i was out of my comfort zone, but excited.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

I WAS led to the table where mr yorky was sitting . . . head down

looking at his phone. he didn’t even say hello. in the end i said,

‘hellooooo!’ to interrupt him. it was so rude. That said, gary was at least complimentary about my hair and my jacket.

EASY TO TALK TO?

I SUGGESTED we share a bottle of wine, but he pointed at the cocktail menu. i had a peartini and he had a rhubarb gin cocktail. during our starters, there was quite a bit of phone-in-and-phone- out action. gary happily talked about the companies he’s worked for, and the conversation mostly centred on him. i don’t think he actually asked me what i do for a living.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

I’D HOPED we would go for a walk afterwards, but gary was worried about making his train home. he made it crystal clear he was on the clock. i was a bit disappointed.

DID SPARKS FLY?

NO! There was no chemistry. i can honestly say i’ve never had a date like this one before.

SEE HIM AGAIN?

NO. GARY did say he hadn’t been on a date for years. maybe he had forgotten how to behave when romance might be on the cards. i treated myself to a drink at the station before my journey home and met two lovely ladies i’d seen on the train down. i ended up swapping numbers with them instead.

WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?

I DON’T know. i must have done something wrong because gary didn’t say hello or goodbye. when he hailed his taxi, he jumped in without a word — charming!

WOULD YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY LIKE HIM?

AGAIN — it’s a no!

EMMA, 45 VITAL STATISTICS SINGLE for six years, with one son, 14. CURRENT ROLE PRACTITIONER of reiki, massage and reflexology. WOULD LIKE TO MEET SOMEONE who is easy to talk to, fun, doesn’t take life too seriously and is a gentleman. Ideally he’ll take an interest in wellness and be a bit spiritual, too.