‘ It was clear she had no interest — so I just kept drinking ’

DATING PAST?

I was married for a decade from the age of 35, but I’ve had no other relationships for 18 years.

I did go on two short coffee dates, but they were awful as we had nothing in common.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

Yes, I was a little nervous because this is the first date I’ve had for a long time.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

when she walked in, I knew straight away that she wasn’t my type. she didn’t fit my would-like-to-meet criteria at all, so I was a little disappointed. even so, I was determined to have a good night.

alexis had done her make-up nicely but was wearing what looked like a pink jumpsuit, while I was wearing a smart suit. The restaurant was a high-end Italian, so I didn’t feel overdressed.

EASY TO TALK TO?

Yes, alexis is lovely and we never stopped talking over starters, our main courses and two bottles of wine. we even realised that our children nearly went to the same school.

But I’m really into my sports and I found it a shame that we couldn’t chat about mountain biking or running.

when it was clear that alexis had no interest, I just kept pouring the wine and drinking. The restaurant was great, but as for a relationship progressing, no.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

no, none at all. we both spoke our minds and we swore freely so that was great . . . and we didn’t have to think too much about the subjects we talked about, either.

DID SPARKS FLY?

no, not at all.

SEE HER AGAIN?

no. I do everything full-on and am the sort of man where everything has to be done for a purpose.

I don’t want to sound awful, but I felt this date was a waste of time for both of us.

we still had a good meal and chat, though.

WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?

I have no idea. I wouldn’t like to say! I would hope she thought I was engaging, but we didn’t swap numbers at the end of the night — and that was fine by me.

WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HER?

no, my children would say straight away: ‘Dad, she’s not right for you.’