‘ Because I look OK for my age, women ’ assume I will cheat

DATING PAST?

I haven’t been in a meaningful relationship since my wife and I split seven years ago. I think that, because I look OK for my age, women sometimes think they’re not good enough. they just assume I’ll cheat, but I’ve never been unfaithful.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

I DON’T get nervous, although I arrived early and had a couple of drinks beforehand. I like to look smart for a date, so I wore a rollneck and a jacket with chinos.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

MARIA was a little late but looked attractive in her green dress. She was older than I expected and quite tall in her boots. We kissed on the cheek and settled down to chat very quickly. She’s not my usual type, but I was drawn to her lovely eyes.

EASY TO TALK TO?

She is fantastic company and we’ve got a lot in common. I could have talked to her all night. there wasn’t funny banter as such — likely down to our different cultures, as she is Swedish — but it was an interesting chat.

I recently moved house so my son, his partner and my grandson could live with me, but before that I got a little chihuahua, Buddy, to keep me company. Maria has a chihuahua, too, so we talked about them a lot, and swapped photos of our kids.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

MARIA doesn’t drink much and I had a few more proseccos than her, but I think that’s just me being self-conscious.

DID SPARKS FLY?

I DON’T think they did for either of us if I’m honest. I can be a bit flirty with the right woman, but I didn’t feel that way.

I was happy to be there, though, because she’s a lovely person. We both agreed that we’ve been unlucky in love but have lovely children from it.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET AGAIN?

YES, as a friend, because she’s excellent company.

WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?

MAYBE she thought I drank too much.

WOULD YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS LIKE HER?

THEY’D all like her, but wouldn’t necessarily pair her with me.